A proposed Corp of Engineers plan to reduce the operating elevation of Lake Audubon during periods of extended drought has caught the attention of those in the Eastern part of the state. Back in 2005, the operating elevations between Lake Audubon and Lake Sakakawea reached 41 feet; the difference between the two lakes raised concerns over the integrity of the Snake Creek Embankment — the dam that separates the two bodies.
The Corp’s plan would reduce the operating elevation of Lake Audubon when similar elevation differentials arise in the future. But here’s the problem: those in the Easter part of the state are working on a water supply plan that’s reliant on water from the Missouri River via Lake Audubon and the McClusky Canal. Under the new operating plan, the water supply from the McClusky Canal would be threatened.
This is likely just the beginning, but it speaks to the age-old adage: whiskey is for drinking, water is for fighting over.
Read the Forum editorial on the topic in the source link below.
