Officials plan to conduct a one-day test release from Rathbun Lake later this spring. As part of the detailed design process for the Rathbun Lake Fisheries Section 1135 project, the information gathered during the test will assist in the design of critical project components aimed at reducing the outward migration of adult walleye and other fish species.
This test release will allow measurements to be performed near the tower and the measurements will map water velocity around the intake structure. Testing will take place once the lake elevation raises to 905.0 feet. The lake is currently at an elevation of 902.92 feet. The release will be increased from low flow of 11 cubic feet per second to 3,000 cubic feet per second. Water will be released in 500 cubic feet per second hourly increments up to 3,000 cubic feet per second.
When the date of the testing is determined, the Kansas City District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will provide additional public notification via the Rathbun Lake webpage (Kansas City District – Rathbun Lake (army.mil)) and Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/447657768772634.) Additionally, USACE encourages the public to visit the Kansas City Water Management website (https://www.nwk.usace.army.mil/Locations/Water-Management) to view the daily lake elevation and release information.
Questions and comments regarding this water release can be directed to the Rathbun Lake Project Operation Office Manager at 641-647-2464 or the Kansas City District Water Management Office at 816-389-3545.
