COVINGTON, Va. – Gathright Dam operators are scheduled to carry out the year’s third water-pulse release from Lake Moomaw on Wednesday, Oct. 14.
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 pulse.
There are no remaining pulse dates for 2020.
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.
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