NORFOLK -- The Norfolk District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has begun a controlled flood release at Gathright Dam near Covington, Va., at 9:00 a.m.
Today, the flow will gradually increase from 410 cubic feet per second to 3,500 cubic feet per second over a six hour period.
The routine release, made necessary by recent rain will increase river stages at the dam about 3.1 feet. River stages at Covington are expected to increase about 1.5 feet over the next 6 to 10 hours.
In the absence of additional rainfall, the river is expected to remain within its natural banks between the dam and Covington.
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.
The flood release is expected to continue through the weekend.
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.
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