Gathright Dam
Gathright Dam Action Plan Summary
Gathright Dam is owned and operated by the Norfolk District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. As part of a risk management approach to improving public safety, the Corps assigned Gathright Dam as Dam Safety Action Classification (DSAC) II on Sept. 2, 2009. Gathright Dam is considered to have unconfirmed (potentially unsafe) issues that merit further study and analysis. This rating is attributed to concerns about possible increased seepage at the toe of the dam, and an undetermined flow rate at the river spring a quarter mile downstream, and potential flow channels through limestone below the spillway during pool events above 1600 feet.
Because of the DSAC II classification, Norfolk District has implemented risk reduction measures to reduce the risk to the public. These measures include increased monitoring, updating emergency operation plans and reducing the water level in the reservoir.
These and other short-term actions allow us to operate the dam to meet our public safety objective while we further investigate our concerns and pursue long-term repairs, if necessary. As we take steps to reduce risk to public safety, we recognize that recreation activities may be impacted. The Norfolk District staff continues to work with stakeholders and the public to keep them informed of the safety issues at Gathright Dam.
Updated: 13-Aug-2010