Advisory: Unstable and Hazardous Ice Conditions on the James River

Advisory: Unstable and Hazardous Ice Conditions on the James River in LaMoure County, Winter 2019-2020

Due to the recent information from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Omaha District and the Bureau of Reclamation notifying the public of the anticipated ice conditions this winter and next spring due to continued releases from the Jamestown and Pipestem Reservoirs, it is advised that the public refrain from any activity on the James River due to unstable and hazardous ice conditions throughout the winter of 2019-2020 as a matter of public safety and rescue personnel safety.  Any activity on the James River will be extremely dangerous.  

Changing water elevations and increased water releases throughout the winter will create dangerous areas and changing ice conditions without warning. Fluctuating water levels beneath the ice will leave voids between the ice and the water surface creating hazardous ice conditions and making any rescue nearly impossible.

From:  LaMoure County Sheriff, Robert Fernandes and LaMoure Fire Chief, Art Hagebock

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