Gathright Dam’s first pulse release set for Wednesday

U.S. Army Corps pf Engineers Norfolk District
Published July 19, 2021
Gathright Dam at the dam crest overlooking upstream at Lake Moomaw. 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/Breeana Harris)

Gathright Dam at the dam crest overlooking upstream at Lake Moomaw. 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/Breeana Harris)

COVINGTON, Va. – Gathright Dam operators are scheduled to conduct the year’s first water-pulse release from Lake Moomaw on Wednesday, July 21.

The pulse release, conducted by Norfolk District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in coordination with the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality and Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources, will occur about 6 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

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

People who use the river are advised to be aware of fluctuations caused by the pulses, agency officials said.

Remaining pulse dates for 2021 are set for the following Wednesdays:

Aug. 11
Sept. 1
Sept. 22
Oct. 13

Dates are subject to change based on weather conditions and rainfall.

For Gathright Dam schedule changes and release updates, refer to www.nao-wc.usace.army.mil/nao/projected_Q.html.

Pulse releases, which began in 2011, are designed to improve aquatic habitat and water quality in the Lower Jackson River. Monitoring data has shown the increased flow scours excess algae from downstream aquatic habitat and strengthens the river’s health.