Gathright Dam to begin controlled flood release today due to weekend rainfall

Norfolk District Public Affairs Office
Published April 17, 2018

Gathright Dam located in Alleghany County, Va., impounds the water flowing down the Jackson River to create the 2,500 acre Lake Moomaw. The dam has prevented numerous floods over its 30 plus year existence saving countless dollars and lives. (U.S. Army Photo/Patrick Bloodgood)
Gathright Dam located in Alleghany County, Va., impounds the water flowing down the Jackson River to create the 2,500 acre Lake Moomaw. The dam has prevented numerous floods over its 30 plus year existence saving countless dollars and lives. (U.S. Army Photo/Patrick Bloodgood)
Gathright Dam located in Alleghany County, Va., impounds the water flowing down the Jackson River to create the 2,500 acre Lake Moomaw. The dam has prevented numerous floods over its 30 plus year existence saving countless dollars and lives. (U.S. Army Photo/Patrick Bloodgood)
Photo By: Patrick Bloodgood
VIRIN: 101013-A-OI229-026
COVINGTON, Va. –The Norfolk District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will begin a controlled flood release at Gathright Dam near Covington, Virginia today.

 Beginning at 9 a.m., operators at the dam will gradually increase the release rate from 1,210 cubic feet per second (cfs) to 6,000 cfs by 3:00 p.m.

The agency advises people who use the Jackson River to be aware of the river fluctuations caused by the release.

The release is necessary due to heavy rainfall over the weekend, which resulted in a peak inflow of 13,300 cfs into Lake Moomaw causing the lake to rise into the flood pool.  

Due to high flows downstream, officials waited until today to initiate flood releases to allow streams to recede.

Gathright Dam’s controlled flood release will increase river stages at the dam about 3.1 feet.

Officials expect flood releases to continue through the next several days. 

Routine flood releases maintain the water storage capacity of Lake Moomaw and occur most often during the spring, but can happen any time of the year. 

Residents can monitor the Norfolk District’s, website, www.nao.usace.army.mil, and social media channels, www.facebook.com/NAOonFB and www.twitter.com/norfolkdistrict, for the latest information regarding the dam. 

Release information is also available at 540-965-4117 daily after 8:30 a.m.