The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, St. Paul District, is increasing water releases from Baldhill Dam near Valley City, North Dakota, in response to significant runoff generated by a recent storm system.

Surrounding areas received approximately 5 inches of precipitation, resulting in elevated inflow into Lake Ashtabula. Rainfall-driven inflow exceeded 1,200 cubic feet per second (cfs) on Sept. 29. Baldhill Dam was able to capture the increased flow and slowly release the water at a more reasonable rate, allowing for more controlled downstream effects.

Corps of Engineers water management officials began increasing discharges on Sept. 29, increasing flows from approximately 40 to 550 cfs. Over the next 24 to 48 hours, dam operators anticipate further increasing releases to between 800 and 1,200 cfs. The elevated discharge rate is expected to remain in place for two to three days.

Increases in reservoir outflow are being staged deliberately to allow downstream tributaries and water levels sufficient time to recede, minimizing overall flood risk along the Sheyenne River basin.

Lake Ashtabula is expected to rise between 0.5 and 1 foot, cresting below 1,267 feet elevation, and should return to normal operating levels within roughly one week. Corps of Engineers’ officials note that any additional precipitation in the watershed could alter current forecast projections and operational plans.

Residents and recreationists downstream and around Lake Ashtabula are urged to use caution near riverbanks and lake shorelines, as water depth and flow rates will fluctuate rapidly.

Current and historical lake levels and releases can be accessed [www.mvp-wc.usace.army.mil](http://www.mvp-wc.usace.army.mil/) or [https://water.usace.army.mil](https://water.usace.army.mil/). All Corps of Engineers reservoirs are operated in accordance with detailed water control manuals to ensure the system performs as designed.