Final Gathright Dam pulse release of 2015 scheduled for Wednesday

Norfolk District Public Affairs
Published Oct. 13, 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)

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.

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.

NORFOLK, Va. -- Operators at Gathright Dam near Covington, Virginia will conduct the final pulse release of the year Wednesday.

The pulse, conducted by the Norfolk District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, will begin at approximately 6 a.m. and end at 1:30 p.m. and will increase levels 3 to 4.5 feet in the Jackson River.

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

The pulse is the final of six that the Norfolk District scheduled from June through October.  The second scheduled release on July 22 was canceled after storms created higher flows, which accomplished what the pulse was intended for.

Gathright Dam's pulse releases allow several agencies to document changes in water quality and environmental benefits that result from the surge of water.