Controlled flood release ends at Gathright Dam

Published July 1, 2015
COVINGTON, Va. -- Gathright Dam's intake tower casts a shadow over Lake Moomaw. The earthen and rolled rock-fill dam, pictured in the upper right-hand corner of the photo, impounds the flow of the Jackson River and creates Lake Moomaw, serving both flood control and recreational purposes. (U.S. Army photo/Kerry Solan)

COVINGTON, Va. -- Gathright Dam's intake tower casts a shadow over Lake Moomaw. The earthen and rolled rock-fill dam, pictured in the upper right-hand corner of the photo, impounds the flow of the Jackson River and creates Lake Moomaw, serving both flood control and recreational purposes. (U.S. Army photo/Kerry Solan)

NORFOLK, Va. – Gathright Dam near Covington, Virginia will end its controlled flood storage release today.

Beginning this morning at 9 a.m., operators at the dam will begin to reduce the release, which is currently at 1,530 cubic feet per second, to 600 cubic feet per second by 11 a.m.

This will lower the Jackson River's levels at the dam by 1.2 feet.

The release became necessary after 3 inches of rainfall above the dam during the weekend, which caused Lake Moomaw to rise into the flood pool.

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.