Murfreesboro Diamond

Water levels recede at Lake Greeson April 23, 2008 - No reporter cited

Water levels have fallen over six feet since they reached their highest level in twenty six years.  Many campsites have re-opened and boat ramps on both ends of the lake are open.  If no flooding rains hit the area in the near future, Lake Greeson should be back to normal operation within a few weeks.

There will be large amounts of debris to clean up and many eroded areas are visible that will require repair. Picnic tables and pavilions will have to be cleaned to remove the dirt film left by the high water.

Narrows Dam performed exactly as designed, exhibiting no undue stress during this time of extremely high water. 

During periods of heavy rain, the lake was able to store the water to reduce the amount of downstream flooding. 

Now that water levels in the Little Missouri River bottoms have receded, the flood waters stored in Lake Greeson may be released at a controlled rate without causing flooding downstream.

Water is released from Narrows Dam through either the powerhouse, the Bungar Valves, or both. 

The amount of water released is dependant upon a water level gauge located in the Little Missouri River, near Murfreesboro. 

Persons owning property on the banks of the river have recently witnessed higher than normal river levels.

River bank property owners should be aware that water levels in the river could have been five and a half feet higher than what they have been during this flood event.

Land development and housing construction is now at an all time high in the Little Missouri River Valley downstream of Narrows Dam.

Property owners should plan construction activities to minimize the potential for flooding caused by water releases from Narrows Dam. 

River bank landowners tend to build as close to the river as possible, but they should be aware this increases the chance for flooding and may require the issuance of a permit for construction activities in wetlands.

Water releases during the past two weeks have been high enough to flood some existing decks and patios.  Water levels could have been much higher, possibly damaging these existing structures. 

Altering water releases because of structures built in the flood zone would jeopardize flood controlling capabilities of Narrows Dam. 

River bank landowners may contact the Lake Greeson Field Office for information concerning construction activities near the Little Missouri River (870-285-2151x5005 or ).

↑ Top