Reservoir levels in KOTA Territory remain about average - KOTA Territory News

Reservoir levels in KOTA Territory remain about average

Even with the dry winter and even dryer spring, experts say the reservoir levels in KOTA Territory haven't take much of a hit.

But now with the dry, hot summer, the inflow of water is below average.

At least twice a month, Larry White spends the morning fishing at Pactola.

"Mostly the peacefulness and the quietness and just getting outdoors and enjoying the view and the nice days we've been having," said White.

But those dry nice days helped lower the water levels. White said last year he was fishing at least ten feet further back from where he's standing today.

"You can kind of see it by looking out at the edge of the lake, where it's dry. I think that's about where it was last year, and last year it was really nice," said White.

And while last year's levels were higher, Curt Anderson with the Bureau of Reclamation says Pactola is only about two and a half feet from full capacity.

"The average at Pactola for this time of year would probably be around 8–10 feet down, so we're well about average in storage," said Anderson.

And while most reservoirs in our area are at average in terms of storage, Anderson said it's the inflow of water that's in trouble.

"The big issue now with the hot weather is that the inflow dropped off. And the levels are taking a hit, more than last year," said Anderson.

And if during the next few years the inflow continues to decrease, water restrictions would need to be implemented.

But Anderson says for now, there's nothing to worry about.

"We go through a series of dry years and these things cycle and so the reservoirs will fluctuate levels," said Anderson.

Something white says he's seen firsthand.

"Hopefully we'll catch back up, but I've lived here for 40 years and seen it go up and I've seen it go down. So it's nothing to worry about," said White.

Anderson says Deerfield Reservoir is less than a foot below capacity, and Angostura is only five feet below. He says those levels are well within the average range.

Anderson adds, he'll start to worry more about the levels if we have dry, hot summers for the next few years.