Boaters and Residents: Expect Temporary Lower Des Moines River Levels As Crews Remove Flashboards

Des Moines, Iowa - Wednesday, October 21, 2026 - Water levels will be noticeably lower on the Des Moines River starting on Thursday, October 22.

The City of Des Moines is scheduled to remove flashboards from the Center Street Dam Friday, October 23, beginning at 7:30 a.m., weather permitting.

Starting on Thursday, October 22, the outflow at the Saylorville Reservoir dam will be adjusted so that City staff can walk on the Center Street Dam to remove the flashboards. After the removal is complete, the outflow at Saylorville Reservoir Dam will be adjusted to fill up and elevate the water level back to normal levels.

Boaters on the Des Moines River and at Birdland Marina should be prepared for lower water levels and how that may affect their activities. Lower river levels are expected to last for 24-36 hours.

Flashboard removal has been scheduled at this time due to an important maintenance project conducted by Des Moines Water Works at the Des Moines River intake located near Birdland Marina. The project requires specific river conditions to allow Des Moines Water Works crew to work safely and efficiently.

Contact
Zoe Sadauskis
Communications Specialist, City Manager's Office
(515) 283-4795
[email protected]

About the City of Des Moines
The City of Des Moines is Iowa's capital city and our 17 departments serve more than 214,000 residents and 46 neighborhood associations. Des Moines is a leader in sustainability and provides its residents with vibrant neighborhoods, an alive and active downtown, and abundant leisure opportunities.

Des Moines continuously improves neighborhoods, public safety and quality of life by offering exceptional city services and reliable infrastructure while fostering an involved and compassionate community for all who visit and live in Des Moines.

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