Water Water every where water. Have opened the spillway flood gates for the first time in history of the Garrison Dam here in North Dakota. Guess you drove over the Dam before they started releasing it and you could feel the vibration on the Dam from the pressure. Water was within 1 foot of the top. Upon releasing the water from the Dam the south side of Bismarck is flooded- done on purpose to keep the Dam from failing.
Doing this all the way down the river starting at Fort Peck in MT. Fortunately we are as high as a person can get. But do feel bad for the people in the flood plain.
I've been in Omaha since '86 and have never recalled flooding at these levels. Gavin's Point Dam in South Dakota is releasing at record levels, as are all 5 (I think) Missouri River dams north of Omaha, with flood waters continuing south. The railroads are trying to keep the tracks open, and Omaha's Eppley Airfield is surrounded with water seeping in under the levees. They've hired engineering and construction firms to help figure out a way to keep the field in operation since the river isn't done rising.
The thing is, aren't all of these dams old, and by old, I mean O-L-D? They're wondering if they can sustain months of this water pressure.
Tracie, As old probably not. Garrison Dam here was built in the 40's-50's. The releases are to alleviate the pressure so they do not fail. At Garrison Dam here before the release water was about 1 foot from the top of the spillway. When you walked across you could feel the vibration of the pressure under you. First time since it was built have the flood gates ever been opened. Sad situation for all specially for those close by the river in losing homes and property.
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