Corps of Engineers Decreasing Reservoir Outflow as Water Levels Continue to Drop

Minor precipitation amounts overnight in the Iowa River Basin have allowed the Coralville Reservoir water level to continue to fall. As of this morning, Wednesday, June 12, the United States Army Corps of Engineers reports that the reservoir pool is at 704.6, with inflows around 9,000 cubic feet per second (cfs) and outflows of 17,400 cfs. The reservoir is currently at 59 percent storage capacity. The Corps updated the plans for reducing the daily outflow. The conduit will remain fully open through Friday, June 14, when the outflow will be reduced to 14,000 cfs and will be reduced to 10,000 cfs on Saturday, June 15. 

The National Weather Service advises that there is potential for severe thunderstorms, including winds in excess of 60 miles per hour, to develop between noon and 2 p.m. today in the area. These storms should be isolated and move quickly to the east with minor impact to the Iowa River. A dry forecast is expected early this evening through Friday. The Iowa River Basin area will continue to experience an active weather pattern for the next one to one-and-a-half weeks. River levels are still expected to slowly drop, but it will be difficult to predict the rate of progress. Residents are urged to keep flood protective measures in place for the time being. 

City officials continue to monitor several Iowa City roads. With the decreased outflows from the reservoir, officials are hopeful that Dubuque Street can be reopened at the beginning of next week. Rocky Shore Drive at CRANDIC Park, Iowa Avenue by the railroad underpass, South Gilbert Street and the Riverside Drive/River Street intersection are also being monitored. With current weather conditions, these locations should remain accessible, though locally heavy rainfall may impact travel on these roads. 

Iowa City officials will continue to closely monitor Iowa River and area creek levels. To stay up-to-date on the latest flood-related news, visit http://www.icgov.org/flood and follow the City of Iowa City on Twitter http://twitter.com/cityofiowacity or Facebook http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-City-of-Iowa-City-Government/267660140000321.