Lowering water level has several benefits
Staff writer
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will release water from Marion Reservoir into the Cottonwood River, lowering the water level about 27 inches for the winter.
Park Ranger Neal Whitaker said the reservoir is about three inches above conservation pool currently. Conservation pool is the reservoir’s level when it isn’t holding back flood waters.
The release will leave the water 2 feet below conservation pool. The lower winter level has several benefits, including helping fisheries.
Having a lower level in winter reduces the need to release water from spring rains, Whitaker said. Depending on the time of rains, releasing water can also release spawning fish, fry — newly hatched fish — and eggs near the dam.