Flows to be increased from Baldhill Dam, officials say to use caution on ice

Baldhill Dam (KFGO file photo)

VALLEY CITY, N.D. (KFGO) – The outflow on Baldhill Dam near Valley City will be increased next week due to an increased potential for spring flooding and officials are warning people to use extreme caution on river ice above and below the reservoir as the releases could cause unsafe conditions.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers says although it experienced moderate to severe drought last year, snowpack measured in the drainage area above the dam indicates an increased potential for flooding.

The reservoir will be lowered to create storage room for spring runoff on Lake Ashtabula.

The Corps will increase releases on Jan. 23, with a target lake level of nearly 1,258 feet by March 19.

West Fargo Fire Chief Dan Fuller said as water released from the dam enters the Sheyenne River and travels through West Fargo. Even a relatively small change in water levels can disrupt ice formation with little to no visible signs on the surface.

“There is no such thing as safe ice,” Fuller said. “Due to constantly changing conditions, the Sheyenne River should never be walked on or used for recreational activities after it ices over.”