Water Releases from the Gavins Point Dam have been reduced following heavy rain across parts of the Missouri River basin.

Gavins Point releases have been reduced over the last few days from 24,000 to 15,000 cubic feet per second.

Jody Farhat, Chief of the Missouri River Water Management Division says the releases have been reduced over the last several days.

“Heavy rain across the basin increased flows on many of the tributaries below the system of reservoirs. Gavins Point releases were scheduled to be reduced to 12,000 cfs Wednesday morning,” Farhat said.

Releases were reduced 3,000 cfs each day Sunday, Monday and Tuesday.

The latest National Weather Service forecast shows most locations along the Missouri River are expected to rise above flood stage from Nebraska City to the mouth near St. Louis.

“Reductions in releases are part of our normal flood risk reduction measures. Suddenly-developing heavy rains can cause localized flooding even during drought periods. Reductions in Gavins Point releases will lessen some of the high Missouri River stages downstream and shorten the duration of peak stages. We will continue to monitor conditions in the basin and make additional release adjustments as necessary,” said Farhat.