DETROIT – The water level of Lake Winnebago in Wisconsin is currently at 3.35 feet Oshkosh Datum, well above the typical early May target of 2.7 feet, and is expected to remain above 3.3 feet through the weekend and into next week.
This increased water level occurred rapidly over the past few days. The water level of Lake Winnebago on May 1 was 2.68 feet, slightly above the target operating band of our regulation strategy.
Heavy rain and runoff from snowmelt have caused increased inflow to Lake Winnebago.
Much of the Winnebago/Fox/Wolf basin has received two to four inches of rain since May 1, including three to four inches falling directly over the lake. Inflow rates have risen to 13,000 cubic feet per second, where the average inflow rate for early May is approximately 8,300 cfs.
All available gates at both the Menasha and Neenah Dams have been open since Apr. 25. Outflow into the lower Fox River is running high, near 16,000 cfs. Given current conditions, the lake level will likely remain above 3.3 feet for several days and high flows in the Fox River will continue.
The high flow along the lower Fox River from Neenah/Menasha to Green Bay, Wisc. may create hazardous conditions and all users are asked to exercise extreme caution when on or near the river and especially near the dams. Localized flooding is also possible near the river. Never drive into flood waters.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Detroit District, is closely monitoring water levels, flows and weather conditions as well as coordinating closely with local communities and users on the Fox River system.
Further updates will be provided as necessary. Water levels and flows are updated regularly on the Detroit District website: http://www.lre.usace.army.mil/Missions/Great-Lakes-Information/Lake-Winnebago/
For additional questions, please contact Chadwick Shaw, chief, Fox River Operations, at (920) 380-7106 or Chadwick.D.Shaw@usace.army.mil.
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