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Washout at Eastside Dam #3 prompts emergency riprap work; board seeks notice of Lake Darling releases
Summary
Following overtopped coffer dams and significant bank erosion at Eastside Dam #3, the board authorized emergency riprap, directed HDR to negotiate a change order and asked the attorney to request advance notice of Lake Darling releases from US Fish and Wildlife Service and other operators.
Karli Frohling of HDR presented photos and engineering observations showing the coffer dams at Eastside Dam #3 were overtopped after high runoff and water releases from Lake Darling. Bluestone Construction representative Leif Anderson said erosion on the southwest bank began around March 28–29. HDR noted Bluestone’s dewatering plan allowed up to 200 cubic feet per second (cfs) during construction, but releases from Lake Darling reached nearly 600 cfs at peak.
The board discussed that U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service release decisions are not routinely communicated in advance to the board and that Minot-area gauges were not reporting at the time. Because North Dakota Game and Fish spawning restrictions begin April 15, 2026 and preclude in‑water work until June 1, the board considered temporary measures. Roger Kluck moved and Travis Zablotney seconded directing Attorney Bryan Van Grinsven to send a letter requesting advance notice of Lake Darling releases and copying Renville County, the City of Minot, the Souris River Joint Board and other affected entities; the motion passed 5-0.
Kluck also moved to have HDR negotiate a change order addressing contract extension and repair costs resulting from the washout and to authorize Bluestone to perform immediate emergency riprap at the site to prevent further erosion; Dohms seconded and the motion passed 5-0. Bluestone planned to contact the owner for site access and complete emergency riprap by April 14. Abigail Franklin of the North Dakota Department of Water Resources said she would consult her supervisor about a changed-condition change order and that more information is needed to determine cost-share impacts.
The board’s immediate actions were procedural (request for notice), emergency (authorize riprap) and administrative (direct HDR to negotiate contract changes). Future decisions on cost share and permanent repairs are contingent on HDR’s negotiations and NDDWR review.
