KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — The lowering of the Kalamazoo River is being postponed due to high winds.
Officials with the Kalamazoo County Office of Emergency Management and Domestic Preparedness said they were originally planning a river “drawdown” on Monday, but now the operation will take place on Tuesday. It will begin at 7 a.m., the lowest flow will last about four hours, and then it will return to normal, taking about two hours to complete.
The reduction is being done to ready the Morrow Dam for repair work. Flow will be reduced to about five to 10% of normal.
According to a statement issued by the city, the level will be taken down to about 100 cubic feet per second, which will be a record low for the river and result in almost completely draining the area below the dam.
Boaters and kayakers are urged to stay off the river on Tuesday, and when future reductions are made.
