he U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has announced that support for the 2003 navigation season on the Missouri River will begin April 1st at the mouth near St. Louis.

	Record low water levels exposed extensive shoreline and displayed how far the dangerous rock dikes and pilings extend out into the river! (Derek Laurie photo 1/03)

The Corps began releasing water from the upstream reservoirs on Saturday, March 15th. As of today, March 18th, release levels have increased at Gavins Point from 13000 c.f.s. to 21000 c.f.s. That level should increase to 25 c.f.s. by the end of this week.

Drought conditions again this year have already fueled the war between the states. 

According to Brig. Gen. David Fastabend, "The shortage of runoff this year will make it difficult to maintain steady to rising pools in the upper three reservoirs during the forage fish spawn this spring".

Because of the below normal mountain snow received this year, the forecasted annual runoff is 19.5 million acre feet (MAF) as compared to the normal 25.2 MAF.

River flows will be at a minimum service level and the navigation season on the Missouri River will likely be shortened by 6 days to make up for the additional water released this winter for downstream water supply. A final determination of the actual season length will be made in July.

Looking at the pictures below taken this past week, it's hard to believe but the navigation season in and around Omaha will begin on March 25th. We will supply you with updated pictures as the water level increases. Click on the pictures below for an enlarged view.

3/13 - MM618 - upstream view from Anchor Inn concrete dike.	3/13 - Sandpiper Cove Marina, Omaha NE - Waiting for water!	3/13 - Sandpiper Cove Marina - Looking south from near pier 1
3/16 - Dodge Park Marina public launch ramp.	3/16 - Looking north from Dodge Park Marina public ramp.	3/16 - Dodge Park Marina with ice still on the water.

NOTE: Many of the above featured pictures were taken by ORF photographer - Derek Lawrie