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River flows visible in Minot

Kim Fundingsland/MDN Increased flows in the Souris River have become visible at several locations in the city in recent days. Lake Darling has been slowly ramping up releases into the Souris in order to lower the lake prior to the runoff season. This photograph was taken on the east side of Roosevelt Park late Monday.

Approximately 210 cubic feet per second of water is being released from Lake Darling Dam. The 50 cfs increase was made late last week. The flows are reflected in active gauges along the Souris and at several places within the city. Water is currently flowing over the low dam at Minot’s water treatment plant which had previously been covered in ice.

The river flows were increased earlier this month when it was announced that Lake Darling would be lowered two feet below its normal target level for this time of year. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has assumed operation of the dam by virtue of a 1-in-10 runoff declaration. Flows are expected to be increased to 400 cfs in the coming days.

Lake Darling continues to decline slowly. The reservoir stood at 1,595.64 feet at mid-day Monday. Officials there say they intend to drop the lake to 1,594 feet by the end of March. Releases from Alameda Reservoir in southern Saskatchewan have resulted in a rise of approximately 1 1/2 feet in the Souris River at the Sherwood Crossing. The river has risen about a half-foot at the Boy Scout Bridge.

The Saskatchewan Water Security Agency is scheduled to release their second runoff outlook of the season on Wednesday. The National Weather Service will follow with an updated Flood Outlook for the Souris River Basin on Thursday.

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