PRINCETON DAM UPDATES
In early May 2023, the DNR implemented a seasonal gate operation strategy plan for the Princeton Dam. The current plan is set to run from May 2023 through June 2026. Please see the bottom of this page for a full copy of the Princeton Dam Operation Plan. Below you will find current updates regarding gates, flow, and other pertinent information to the Princeton Dam.
​The below updates are sent from Uriah Monday with the DNR.
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November 25, 2024​
DNR staff visited Princeton Dam to make a gate adjustment on Wednesday, November 20. Level read 8.2 and a third gate was open (only two gates remain closed, those gates closest to the walls on each end). Given the current flow rate in the river of about 1180 CFS, I would expect the dam staff gage to read right abound 8.1. The current setting is the ‘normal’ setting in the operation plan, since the USGS stream gage indicates the river has peaked from last week’s rainfall, and since (apart from a little rain expected today) there looks to be a stretch of colder dry weather ahead, the reading at the dam gage is expected to stay within the 7.3 to 8.1 range. Therefore, there are no gate adjustments anticipated in the foreseeable future.
A few notes on weather and river flow rates: Rainfall totals since October 30 have been approximately 6”, most of which (4” +/-) came in the first week of the month. This has taken the river from just under 500 CFS at the end of October (very low for the time of year, only 2004 and 2006 have shown lower flow at the end of October on the USGS stream gage) to just under 1200 CFS today (in the upper quartile of recorded flows for this time of year).
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November 7, 2024​
Update: DNR staff visited Princeton Dam to take readings on Wednesday afternoon, and due to recent rains and river rise it warranted opening two gates. We will continue to monitor river flow rates through this weekend to determine whether any further adjustment is necessary next week.
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November 3, 2024​
November marks the beginning of the winter gate setting season. The operation plan indicates 3 gates open from November to March (with exceptions for levels below 7.3 at the dam or above 8.1 at the dam). As of last Wednesday 10/30/2024, the level at the dam was 8.15 and flow was right around 500 CFS (pretty low for this time of year).
This upcoming week DNR staff will make a gate adjustment – one gate will be opened, and then levels will be monitored as we get through this week’s rainfall. An assessment of the level will be made late this week, and additional adjustment will be made during the week of November 11 if warranted.