Gathright Dam pulse release scheduled for Wednesday

Published July 20, 2018

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. (U.S. Army Photo/Patrick Bloodgood)
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. (U.S. Army Photo/Patrick Bloodgood)
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. (U.S. Army Photo/Patrick Bloodgood)
Photo By: Patrick Bloodgood
VIRIN: 101013-A-OI229-026
COVINGTON, Va. -- Operators at Gathright Dam near Covington, Virginia, are scheduled to conduct a pulse release of water from Lake Moomaw Wednesday, July 25.

The pulse, conducted by the Norfolk District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in coordination with the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality and the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries, will begin at approximately 6 a.m. and end at 1:30 p.m.

At the peak of the pulse, the dam will release 3,500 cubic feet per second and will increase Jackson River water levels 3 to 4.5 feet.

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

Remaining pulse dates are scheduled for the following Wednesdays:

  • Aug. 15
  • Sept. 5
  • Sept. 26
  • Oct. 17

All dates are subject to change based on weather conditions and rainfall.

Currently, the forecast calls for rainfall in the river basin, which may alter or cancel the scheduled pulse release. The Norfolk District will announce any changes to the scheduled release via press notifications, its website at www.nao.usace.army.mil, and via its social media channels at www.facebook.com/NAOonFB and www.twitter.com/NorfolkDistrict.

The pulse releases, which have been conducted since 2011, are designed to improve aquatic habitat and water quality in the Lower Jackson River. Monitoring data has shown that the increased flow scours excess algae from the downstream aquatic habitat and improves the health of the Jackson River. 

 

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