NORFOLK -- The Norfolk District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers began a controlled flood release at Gathright Dam near Covington, Va., at 8:30 a.m., today.
The routine release, made necessary by recent rain and snowmelt, increased the Jackson River’s flow from 1,167 cubic feet per second to 2,500 feet per second.
People near the river should be aware of the changing conditions: the river height will increase by 1.2 feet near the dam and 1.1 feet at Covington. The river is expected to remain within its natural banks between the dam and Covington during the release, which will continue increased flow operations until weather and river conditions permit a return to a normal operations.
Routine flood releases maintain the water storage capacity of Lake Moomaw and occur most often during the spring, but can happen any time of the year.
Residents can monitor the Norfolk District’s, website, www.nao.usace.army.mil, and social media channels, www.facebook.com/NAOonFB and www.twitter.com/norfolkdistrict, for the latest information regarding the dam.