The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Chicago District, is adjusting operations at JE Roush, Salamonie, and Mississinewa Lakes due to recent heavy rainfall during the preceding week. As reported by the Ohio River Forecasting Center, between 3 and 10 inches fell across the Upper Wabash, with larger amounts having fallen along the most downstream limits of the basin. Up to an additional inch of rainfall is anticipated over the weekend, with the potential for localized areas of heavier rainfall. Based on current forecasts, the water level of the Wabash River, as measured at the USGS streamgage located at Lafayette, is forecasted to crest just below moderate flood stage the afternoon of 16 August 2026.
Effective 14 August 2026, USACE will be maintaining minimum releases from the three dams and continue monitoring conditions at the dams and on the Wabash and tributary rivers over the weekend. Waterway conditions and operational forecasts will be reevaluated 17 August 2026 to determine whether outflows from the dams can be increased. Once it is safe to do so, outflows from JE Roush will be increased, followed by Salamonie and Mississinewa as downstream conditions allow. These actions are necessary to manage the lakes’ water levels and safely return the lakes to their normal summer level.
The reservoirs and dams are operating as designed. This is a planned and controlled operational adjustment based on current conditions.
"Staff at our lake and water management offices are closely monitoring current and forecasted rainfall affecting our watersheds,” said Chase Wilson, Upper Wabash Operations Manager. “Our personnel and infrastructure are fully prepared to manage these events and mitigate downstream flooding impacts. We are actively coordinating with local stakeholders to ensure public safety, and we urge everyone to follow all active warnings and stay safe.”
Stay Informed
USACE is committed to keeping the public informed. For the most current information, please monitor the following resources:
- Upper Wabash Lake Level Data:
- Downstream River Forecast for the Wabash River at Lafayette:
For general flood preparedness, visit www.ready.gov/floods.
Release no. 26-081