COVINGTON, Va. – Gathright Dam operators are scheduled to conduct the year’s first water-pulse release from Lake Moomaw on Wednesday.
The pulse, conducted by Norfolk District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in coordination with the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality and Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries, will occur about 6 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
At its peak, the dam will release 3,500 cubic feet per second and increase Jackson River water levels 3 to 4.5 feet.
People who use the river are advised to be aware of fluctuations caused by the pulses, agency officials said.
Remaining pulse dates for 2019 are set for the following Wednesdays:
July 24
Aug. 14
Sept. 4
Sept. 25
Oct. 16
Dates are subject to change based on weather conditions and rainfall.
Norfolk District announces schedule changes on its website at
www.nao.usace.army.mil and social media platforms at
www.facebook.com/NAOonFB and
https://twitter.com/NorfolkDistrict.
Pulse releases, which began in 2011, are designed to improve aquatic habitat and water quality in the Lower Jackson River. Monitoring data has shown the increased flow scours excess algae from downstream aquatic habitat and strengthens the river’s health.