NORFOLK, Va. -- The Norfolk District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will begin a controlled flood release at Gathright Dam near Covington, Va., at 9:30 a.m.
Today, the flow will gradually increase from 1,190 cubic feet per second to 5,000 cubic feet per second over a five hour period.
The routine release, made necessary by recent rain and snowmelt will increase river stages at the dam about 2.7 feet. River stages at Covington are expected to increase about 2.5 feet over the next 6 to 10 hours.
In the absence of additional rainfall, the river is expected to remain within its natural banks between the dam and Covington.
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.
Release information is also available at (540) 965 4117 daily after 8:30 a.m.
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