Saylorville Lake Outflow will Affect Des Moines River Levels

2/19/2019

The Saylorville Lake outflows will be reduced to nearly zero cubic feet per second on Wednesday, February 20th as a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers dive team performs an inspection of the outlet structure. The gate closure is scheduled to begin at 7:00 AM and will reopen when divers have completed the inspection and are safely out of the water. This closure will reduce the outflow to nearly zero causing the Des Moines River levels to lower drastically. During low outflows, more hazards are visible and it is advised to avoid recreating near the river at this time as the rocks and shoreline are likely to become very icy.

Park Rangers will advise visitors near the river in Bob Shetler Recreation Area when the gates will reopen and the water level will rise. At this time, the water level rises rapidly and is very dangerous. Please gather belongings and move to higher ground immediately when you hear sirens and/or see Park Rangers advising visitors.

Lake level information and predictions can be accessed at www.rivergages.com. Saylorville Lake is in the Rock Island District, Des Moines River Basin.

For More Information on Saylorville Lake

(515) 276-4656