Missouri River runoff to be second highest ever

PIERRE, S.D. (KCCR) – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is continuing to provide weekly updates on the status of the Missouri River as the river and its tributaries remain at or over flood stage in many locations below Gavins Point Dam. Hydrologist Kevin Lowe with the National Weather Service says rain chances remain unchanged for at least then next week.

Lowe says they are watching a tropical system that, depending on its track, could affect the lower Missouri River Basin. John Remus, Chief of Missouri River Basin Water Management for Corps says 2019 runoff will be one of the highest ever.

Remus says Gavins Point releases will continue at 70,000 cubic-feet-per-second for the next week.  Fort Randall reservoir is eight feet higher than normal for summer use.

Officials with the Corps say the weekly Thursday afternoon update will continue at least through August.