Corps makes controlled releases to manage lake levels at Berlin reservoirs

Published June 20, 2019

PITTSBURGH – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Pittsburgh District is informing the public that due to recent rainfall, the reservoir level at Berlin Lake is higher than normal.

 

The Corps of Engineers is making controlled releases at the reservoir to manage the lake level. At present, the Corps does not expect immediate flooding downstream of Berlin Lake. However, there is a possibility of uncontrolled spillway flow from Berlin, which is expected to have a negligible impact on downstream river levels.

 

Pittsburgh District recognizes that there are additional uncontrolled flows in the Mahoning River downstream of Berlin Lake and is monitoring those levels and taking them into consideration while operating the reservoir.

 

The Corps’ other 13 reservoirs in the upper Ohio River Basin are prepared to help capture the anticipated runoff and precipitation behind their dams.

 

“We are monitoring the weather forecast and the lake levels,” said Col. Andrew (Coby) Short, commander, Pittsburgh District. “I urge residents to be aware that forecasts can change quickly and to monitor the local weather reports. Please be aware that uncontrolled streams and tributaries downstream of our dams and in other areas may swell and cause localized flooding.”

 

Col. Short also stated that the district will continue to monitor the forecast to ensure the reservoirs are prepared to react to any possible changes and will keep the public informed of any further changes in conditions.

 

When a storm approaches, the Corps keeps space in its 16 reservoirs to capture up to 33 percent of the precipitation and runoff that falls within the upper Ohio River Basin. To date, these reservoirs have prevented nearly $33.6 billion in flood damages across the basin. Mosquito, Kirwan and Berlin lakes, combined, have prevented $7.9 billion in flood damages.

 

For more information about flood preparedness visit: https://www.lrp.usace.army.mil/Missions/Emergency-Management/Flood-Preparedness/.

 

For water management information including daily reservoirs reports and river gage data, please visit: https://www.lrp.usace.army.mil/Missions/Water-Management/.

 

Pittsburgh District’s 26,000 square miles include portions of western Pennsylvania, northern West Virginia, eastern Ohio, western Maryland and southwestern New York. It includes more than 328 miles of navigable

waterways, 23 navigation locks and dams, 16 multi-purpose flood control reservoirs, 42 local flood-protection projects and other projects to protect and enhance the nation’s water resources infrastructure and environment.

 

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KnowTakeWear Know the waterways, Take a safety course, Wear your life jacket.


Contact
Carol Vernon
4123957500/01/02
CELRP-PA@USACE.ARMY.MIL
1000 Liberty Avenue, 22nd Floor

Release no. 19-007