Corps to conduct second pulse release from Gathright Dam

Published Aug. 10, 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. -- Operators at Gathright Dam near Covington, Virginia, are scheduled to conduct a pulse release of water from Lake Moomaw Wednesday, August  15. 

The pulse, conducted by the Norfolk District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in coordination with the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality and the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries - marks the second time a release of this nature will be performed this year - and will begin at approximately 6 a.m. and end at 1:30 p.m.

At the peak of the pulse, the dam will release 3,500 cubic feet per second and will increase Jackson River water levels 3 to 4.5 feet.

The agencies advise people who use the river to be aware of the river fluctuations caused by the pulses.  

Remaining pulse dates are scheduled for the following Wednesdays:

Sept. 5
Sept. 26
Oct. 17