The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Louisville District is actively monitoring this week’s forecasted heavy rainfall and preparing for potential wide-spread moderate to major flooding throughout portions of Kentucky, Indiana, and Ohio. Cumulative rainfalls totals for this event may range from 2-15+ inches resulting in elevated lake levels at the district’s Flood Risk Management (FRM) reservoirs and wide-spread moderate to major flooding on most of the rivers within the district’s footprint.
Based on current data, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Louisville District is forecasting that West Fork Lake, known locally as Winton Woods Lake, near Cincinnati, Ohio, could potentially reach its spillway pool of 702 feet National Geodetic Vertical Datum of 1929 (NGVD29) on Sunday, April 6, 2025. Current forecasts show that the pool could reach anywhere between 699 and 705 NAVG29. The dam is operating as designed and there are no dam safety concerns.
If the project’s pool elevation reaches the uncontrolled spillway sill, flow will begin unimpeded thru the uncontrolled spillway. The project’s water control manual and authorized water control plan will dictate the appropriate gate settings at the control tower during spillway flow conditions. These gate settings are based on pool elevation, computed inflow, and river stages at downstream control points. Outflow from the lake during a spillway flow event can be much higher than outflows normally experienced at the project. Once the pool elevation has receded below the spillway sill, gate settings will be made at the control tower to return the pool to its normal level, as soon as possible.
When spillway flow occurs, the following downstream areas could be impacted: Woodlawn, Lockland, and other communities along Mill Creek leading down to the Ohio River. Operation at the Mill Creek Barrier Dam could also be impacted.
Areas around the shoreline and adjacent to creeks and streams may also be impacted because of the increased level of the lake. Adjacent landowners who have items located within a flowage easement should make every effort to remove the items quickly before they become inundated by flood waters.
USACE is working with local and state emergency operation managers to keep people who may be affected by this
situation safe and informed.
USACE reminds the public to stay vigilant and prepared, as weather conditions can change rapidly. Resources for flood preparedness can be found at www.ready.gov/floods.
To view current lake levels, visit: http://www.lrl-wc.usace.army.mil/reports/lkreport.html.
USACE is committed to keeping the public informed as conditions change. For updates, visit: https://www.facebook.com/LouisvilleUSACE.
For more information visit, https://www.lrd.usace.army.mil/About/Districts/Louisville-District/Severe-Weather-Event-April-2025/
| Date Taken: | 04.02.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 04.02.2025 16:47 |
| Story ID: | 494424 |
| Location: | CINCINNATI, OHIO, US |
| Web Views: | 28 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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