Corps alters release balance at Jamestown, Pipestem dams

Releases were reduced from 1,600 cubic feet per second Wednesday morning to 1,400 cfs from Jamestown Reservoir, according to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. At Pipestem Reservoir, releases were increased from 200 cfs to 400 cfs. Including runoff within the city of Jamestown, these releases result in a flow of approximately 1,800 cfs at the James River at Jamestown stream gauge.

Pipestem Reservoir is currently peaking at a pool level of 1,486.8 feet mean sea level, which is the third highest peak pool level on record. With these release changes, pool levels at Pipestem Reservoir will begin to drop. At Jamestown Reservoir, pool levels will continue to drop at a rate of approximately 0.2 feet per day.

Throughout the next several days, releases will be held essentially steady at these levels. Small changes in releases may be made if rainfall occurs within Jamestown.

Residents along the James River should continue to monitor river conditions and take necessary actions to prevent flood damage.

Pipestem Dam is a corps project, while Jamestown Dam is a Bureau of Reclamation project regulated by the corps when the reservoir pool level reaches the flood control zone.

Jamestown Reservoir:

* Current reservoir level – 1,448.8 feet msl (0.3 foot decrease in 24 hours)

* 2011 reservoir peak pool level – 1,451.3 feet msl on May 1

* Current reservoir inflow – 500 cfs

* Current reservoir release – 1,400 cfs

* Amount of flood control storage occupied – 66.1 percent

Pipestem Reservoir:

* Current reservoir level – 1,486.8 feet (0.02 foot increase in 24 hours)

* 2011 reservoir peak – currently near peak

* Current reservoir inflow – 277 cfs

* Current reservoir release – 400 cfs

* Amount of flood control storage occupied – 70.7 percent

James River:

* Current flow rate – 1,830 cfs measured at stream gauge where river crosses Interstate 94

* Current river stage – 11.6 feet

* Flood stage – 12 feet

Tags: news, updates, flood, water, dams