Gathright Dam’s final pulse release of 2019 set for Wednesday

Published Oct. 11, 2019
Gathright Dam in Alleghany County, Virginia, impounds water flowing down the Jackson River to create the 2,500-acre Lake Moomaw. Since opening in 1979, the dam has prevented numerous floods, saving countless dollars and lives.

Gathright Dam in Alleghany County, Virginia, impounds water flowing down the Jackson River to create the 2,500-acre Lake Moomaw. Since opening in 1979, the dam has prevented numerous floods, saving countless dollars and lives. (U.S. Army photo/Vince Little)

COVINGTON, Va. – Gathright Dam operators are scheduled to carry out the year’s sixth and final 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 take place between 6 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.

At its peak, dam operators will release 3,500 cubic feet of water per second, increasing Jackson River levels 3 to 4.5 feet.

Agency officials advise people who use the river to be aware of fluctuations caused by the pulses.

This year’s pulse releases began in late June and continued at various intervals through the summer and into early fall.

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 downstream and strengthens the river’s health.

Norfolk District provides innovative engineering solutions – in collaboration with partners – to deliver water resources, military, interagency, environmental and disaster-response programs that make communities, the commonwealth of Virginia and nation a better place to work and live.