NORFOLK, Va. – Gathright Dam near Covington, Virginia continues a controlled flood storage release today.
Beginning this morning at 9 a.m., operators at the dam will begin to reduce the release, which is currently at 3,480 cubic feet per second, to 1,600 cubic feet per second by 1 p.m.
This will lower river levels at the dam by 1.4 feet. The agency advises people who use the Jackson River to be aware of river fluctuations caused by the release.
Based on current and forecasted conditions, the flood storage release, which began Monday morning, will end tomorrow.
The release became necessary after 3 inches of rainfall above the dam during the weekend, which caused Lake Moomaw to rise into the flood pool.
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.