Since the waters seem to be receding in ND I decided I should send an update.
August 1 they began to decrease releases from the Dam; they are still releasing from the spillway gates but you can see that the lake
levels are decreasing as well, meaning the influx has also declined.
The water marks are quite impressive and show just how much
the water has receded.
We were up to the Dam on Sunday and noticed that they have shut off 6 spillway gates and the flow has significantly decreased; the water is not moving near as fast over the spillway.
There is still plenty of water moving through the Power Plant as
you can see it pass through the tailrace. The number of spectators has decreased as well and there are no longer patrolman to direct
traffic. The novelty has worn off.
The last 2 pics continue to show the decreased lake levels and
were taken up at Hazen Bay. At its peak, the BBQ grills were under water; Sunday, they were well out of the water and again the water lines tell their story!! It is really amazing that such a
large system can fluctuate so much in a week or two.
Many have begun to remove dikes and sandbags in the Bismarck/Mandan area; however, its really not advised as of yet.
It looks like the worst is over; however, speculation is that this could be a repeat next year. I believe the COE is continuing to lower Sakakawea Lake in preparation for next year's influx. I heard (this is not official) that this could be a 4-year cycle. Of course the sandbags will never last throughout the winter but I'm
thinking caution should be used in removing the dikes. It'll be
interesting to see what unfolds in the years to come. I heard there
were 400+ homes affected in the Bismarck/Mandan area as far
as flooding, which really is nothing compared to what it could have
been had they not had time to prepare. To my knowledge, no
lives lost due to the flooding.
Minot on the other hand has had extensive loss and damages. The waters have receded and clean-up and recovery is in the process. I'm afraid many will still be displaced during our winter months as there certainly will not be time to get it all taken care of properly. Mold is a real issue, especially with all the humidity this year.
We hope everyone's summer has been good.........it's beginning to feel like fall already up here in the north country!! We'll be heading home on Sunday. Before we know it, it'll be time to head out for our fourth winter in EB. Zellers2 reporting.
