The Norfolk District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers began a controlled flood release at Gathright Dam near Covington, Virginia at 9 a.m. today.
The flow will gradually increase from 1,210 cubic feet per second to 3,500 cubic feet per second by 1 p.m.
The agency advises people who use the Jackson River to be aware of the river fluctuations caused by the release.
The release was made necessary by 3 inches of rainfall above the dam during the weekend, which caused Lake Moomaw to rise into the flood pool.
Gathright Dam’s release will increase river stages at the dam about 1.9 feet. River stages at Covington are expected to increase about 1.9 feet over the next 6 to 10 hours. Operators at the dam will continue the increased release rate until Wednesday.
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.
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.