(7/6 Update) City Opens Two Bike Path Crossings; Keeps Two Inundated Areas Closed

***FRIDAY, JULY 6 (1:45 p.m. Update):  City Parks officials indicate two bike path areas along Rapid Creek have been opened while two areas remain closed.  The bike path areas with Rapid Creek at Fifth Street, and Cambell Street are now open.  The bike path areas at Rapid Creek at the Mount Rushmore Road, and Canyon Lake Drive bridges remain closed.  Below is the original release from June 18 when the four areas were closed due to inundated bike paths.***

(Original Story from 6/18)

Officials also increase Pactola releases as Reservoir level nears flood pool zone

**2:45 p.m. 6/18/2018 Update:  Based on additional recommendation from the Bureau of Reclamation, an increase in water release from Pactola Reservoir to 150 cfs (cubic feet per second) is taking place at 3 p.m. today.**

RAPID CITY, SD--City Parks officials advise a number of bike path crossings with Rapid Creek have been closed due to local runoff from weekend and current precipitation.   Barricades have been installed at various locations and the public is advised to use the street crossing areas where available and to avoid crossing any inundated bike path areas.  The affected crossings include Canyon Lake Drive, Mount Rushmore Road, Fifth Street and Cambell  Street.  There is no current time line for how long the barricades will remain in position.

In addition, upon request from the Bureau of Reclamation, City officials authorized an increased release of water from Pactola Reservoir.  At 9 a.m. today, the release was increased from 105 cubic feet per second (cfs) to 125 cfs.   Increased precipitation in the area has elevated Pactola Reservoir to just below the flood pool stage.  To minimize or avoid water in Pactola's flood pool, the Bureau will often request increased releases of water from the Reservoir.  Increased water releases can take between 8-12 hours to be reflected in water depth and velocity in the City.

Increased water releases and urban runoff can impact the depth and velocity of Rapid Creek.  City officials will monitor low-lying areas such as bike path undercrossings for inundation.  The public is advised to use caution around Rapid Creek and to not walk, run or bike through any inundated bike path areas.

-30-

Thank you,

Darrell W. Shoemaker | Communications Coordinator

T: 605.721.6686 | M: 605.939.8551

E: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

W: www.rcgov.org

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it." width="359" height="80" />