Gavin's releases approach 140 kcfs, new levees being tested

 As flows from Gavin's Point Dam approach 140 kcfs (thousand cubic feet per second), new levees and sandbag structures are being tested throughout South Dakota, Iowa and Nebraska. In addition to flooding of riverside homes and businesses, utilities and infrastructure are being tested in many communities. From water supplies, wastewater plants and train routes to interstate closures and electric plants, eyes are watching the rising floodwaters and the effects it will have on commerce and basic services. See below for frightening video of the Fort Calhoun Nuclear Plant, which is already surrounded by water.


Lower on the river, Missouri communities are attempting to prepare for predicted high flows which, because of relatively dry weather and low flowing tributaries, have not yet manifested. Rain is currently falling in Nebraska, Iowa and northwestern Missouri, heightening the chances for increased tributary flow.


Missouri River Flooding 2011 Facebook page
This page is doing a good job posting news stories several times a day from communities struggling with flooding. Click here.



Perspectives
A few editorials regarding the flood
Bismarck Tribune, June 9, 2011 - "Time to revive Mo River study?" - Brian Gehring

St. Louis Post Dispatch, June 7, 2011 - "Guest Commentary: The looming Missouri River dam flood" - Bernard Shanks
This is a frightening warning about the vulnerability of the dam system (specifically Fort Peck dam in Montana) to unprecedented reservoir levels and stress. The Corps continues to state that the reservoirs, under constant surveillance, are in good shape and performing as expected. In addition, the liquefaction fear that Shanks reports is mainly due to earthquakes, not water pressure. Still, fear of dam failure is a real concern...just not the most immediate concern to worry about right now. 

Great Plains Examiner, June 9, 2011 - "Without answers from Corps, public blames flood on plovers"
A good look at some of the parameters the Corps is working under. However, the Corps has been explaining the unprecedented nature of the late spring snow pack and May Montana flooding, which is the real cause of the huge runoff numbers. We'd like to see what kind of spring releases would have been required to avoid these current releases - and suspect that there is no realistic scenario that would have avoided this.


Montana
Associated Press, June 8, 2011 - "Montana town floods for second time in 2 weeks"


Channel 3 KRTV, Great Falls, MT, June 8, 2011 - "Fort Peck Dam to increase water releases again"

Dakotas
KXTV, Bismarck, ND. June 9, 2011 - "River Speed"
Officials monitor river speed. Lower speed will mean a delta is forming downstream and river stages will rise.

KFYR, Bismarck, ND. June 9, 2011 - "Flooding Concerns around nuclear missles"


Sioux Falls Argus Leader, June 8, 2011 - "Some towns savor high water"
Fishing communities along lakes seeing increase in recreation with higher water.


Yankton Press Dakotan, June 9, 2011 - "Yankton suspends sandbagging operations"
"Fact or Fiction: Corps says dams are in good shape"
Live Gavin's Point Dam webcam.

Aerial photography from Wilcox Flying Service: Agpilot10's YouTube Channel. 
A series of stunning photographs of areas above Gavin's Point Dam. 

Iowa-Nebraska
There's a lot of news, video and photographs being generated in the reaches below the Gavin's point dam to Omaha. A good place to start is the Sioux City Journal Flood Section and Omaha World-Herald Flood Section:

• Sioux City Journal special flood section
• Omaha World Herald special flood section (with tons of great emergency and info links)

KTIV Sioux City, June 8, 2011 - Aerial tour of flooding Siouxland area
Click here for another aerial view of Siouxland.


Corps of Engineers Press Release, June 9, 2011 - "Corps announces higher than expected flood crest stage on Missouri River at Blair, Neb."
This announcement does not affect the flooding inundation maps released by the Corps or the flow projections, just the project height of the flooding at this gage station.


Omaha World Herald, June 10, 2011 - "Stetches of I-29, I-680 close"
Several I-29 closures are expected between Missouri border and Sioux City, IA.
June 8, 2011 - "Platte too may pack a punch"


Channel 3 TV, Omaha, June 8, 2011 - video on the flooding and emergency declaration at Fort Calhoun Nuclear Power Plant near Blair. 

Lincoln Journal Star, June 8, 2011 - "Plattsmouth officials concerned about potable drinking water"

Des Moines Register, June 8, 2011 - "County by County look at Missouri River flood battle"


Missouri/Kansas
KMOX TV - St. Louis, June 8, 2011 - "Few Preparing for Possible Flooding on Missouri River Here"

Columbia Tribune - June 9, 2011 - "River Areas step up flood prep"

Parkville Luminary - June 10, 2011 - a series of stories about flood preparations.