Gathright Dam and
Lake Moomaw, VA
Low-Flow Augmentation Study
Contact:Daniel R. Haubner (757) 201-7704
Authorization:
Section 216 of the Rivers and Harbors and Flood Control Act of 1970 (Public Law 91-611)
Location and Description:
- Jackson and James Rivers from Lake Moomaw to the Fall Line at Richmond, Virginia.
- 2000 census population (approximately): 1.2 million.
- 2020 forecast population: 1.5 million.
- Per capita income: Ranges from $17,877 in Buckingham County to $40,698 in Goochland County (2001 figures).
The Norfolk District of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers completed a reconnaissance study report in September 2004 which was approved by the North Atlantic Division Office in January 2005. The reconnaissance study was initiated under authority of Section 216 of the Rivers and Harbors and Flood Control Act of 1970 (Public Law 91-611) and was conducted at full Federal expense. A copy of the reconnaissance report is attached as a file below. The purpose of the report is to evaluate the need for, and feasibility of, modifying Gathright Dam and/or Lake Moomaw or their operation for low flow augmentation to improve and restore environmental resources downstream along the Jackson and James Rivers from Lake Moomaw to the Fall Line at Richmond, Virginia. The Gathright Dam and Lake Moomaw project is located in Virginia on the Jackson River, 43.4 miles upstream of its confluence with the Cowpasture River to form the James River. The City of Covington is 19 miles downstream of the dam. The dam and a portion of the reservoir are in Alleghany County, Virginia with most of the reservoir located in Bath County, Virginia. Gathright Dam and Lake Moomaw is a multipurpose project, authorized by the Flood Control Act of 1946, is regulated to reduce flood damage at downstream locations, to increase low flows for the improvement of downstream water quality, and to provide the opportunity for water-based recreation. An additional purpose of regulation, although not a Congressionally-authorized purpose, is the creation of habitat downstream suitable for maintaining a trout fishery. The project became fully operational in April 1982, when filling of the reservoir was complete. The following general measures represent the alternative plans that were considered during the reconnaissance study:
- Modification of the existing storage allocation to allow more storage for low flow augmentation
- Evaluation of increasing the pool elevation of the reservoir to allow for increased storage for low flow augmentation
- Modification of existing low flow augmentation release procedures
- Modification of low flow augmentation release requirements
- Combination of plans
- No action plan (continue operation of Gathright Dam as currently authorized)
A Project Management Plan has been drafted and is being coordinated with the Commonwealth of Virginia, the local cost-sharing sponsor.
Final Gathright Reconnaissance Report (17 page Acrobat Document)
Updated: 15-Sep-2010