Gathright Dam pulse release set for August 10

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Norfolk District
Published Aug. 5, 2022
Gathright Dam at the dam crest overlooking downstream. 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/Breeana Harris)

Gathright Dam at the dam crest overlooking downstream. 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/Breeana Harris)

The Norfolk District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, will conduct a pulse release at Gathright Dam, near Covington, Va., on Wednesday, August 10, beginning at approximately 6 a.m. Water releases will gradually increase and peak at 3,500 cubic feet per second by 9 a.m. The maximum surge will last two hours, begin to gradually decrease at 11 a.m., and return to approximately 242 cfs by 1:30 p.m.

The pulse is expected to cause river fluctuations and may raise the water level downstream in the Jackson River by up to five feet in some sections and up to three and a half feet in the upper James River, but will remain several feet below flood stage. In some areas, the rate of the river rise may exceed two feet per hour.

Releases from Gathright Dam are normally at a constant height and flow during this time of year. The pulse release will help control algae growth and improve water quality and habitat in the lower Jackson River.

The remaining 2022 pulse dates are scheduled for the following Wednesdays, subject to hydrological and environmental conditions:
Aug. 31
Sep. 21
Oct. 12

The pulse releases are part of the Low Flow Augmentation project purpose for the Gathright Dam and Lake Moomaw Project to improve the overall water quality and ecological resources in the lower Jackson River. The series of pulses was developed, in cooperation with the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality and the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources.

For question related to Gathright Dam, please contact Gathrightdam@usace.army.mil