Status Update, Saturday, June 18

1.  Levees: All Levees, at the moment of this writing, are holding. However, strong winds overnight began to cause some erosion to an area of Levee #10 west of Big Lake. Board members and other area farmers have been working today moving sandbags and working on a plan to reinforce the weakened area. They will need help placing plastic and filling sandbags to hold it in place, possibly on Monday. This will be a big job, so help is critical.  (There may also be a need for meals if anyone is interested in providing food for the workers. ) Once a definite plan is in place, information will be posted here if you are able to help. Contact information will also be provided at that time. We ask all "sight-seers" to PLEASE stay away from the levees.  UPDATE: SANDBAGGING GOING ON RIGHT NOW (SATURDAY EVENING) IN TWO LOCATIONS--DARREL VOLTMER PLACE (Sorry, I'll try to get more info on the exact location) AND JUST OFF OF HWY 159, FIRST ROAD EAST OF THE RIVER. IF YOU CAN HELP RIGHT NOW, HEAD TO EITHER LOCATION.

2.  Roads: No roads are closed due to flooding at this time.

3.  River Stage: The river stage has increased significantly today. As of 5pm, the river is at 25.65 feet, and it is projected to reach 26.4 feet by early Monday morning. (Current status.) With the river this high, things can happen (and change) very quickly. (As a point of reference, the record river stage, which was reached on June 23 of last year, is 26.6 feet.)

4.  News: Area men met with the BNSF Railroad again today, asking for assistance in reinforcing the weakened levees that are currently protecting this area. Results of these meetings are still pending.
The Army Corps of Engineers also announced they are increasing releases from Oahe and Big Bend Dams from 150,000cfs to 160,000cfs, effective June 19. At this point they claim the Gavins Point release will remain at 150,000cfs.


5.  Photos
This photo is from earlier in the week--our local guys working on area levees. Besides these 4 excavators (4th one barely visible), there were 5 bulldozers working behind the photographer. Work in this area has been completed.