Gathright Dam in Alleghany County, Virginia, impounds water flowing down the Jackson River to create the 2,500-acre Lake Moomaw. Since opening in 1979, the dam has prevented numerous floods, saving countless dollars and lives. (U.S. Army photo/Vince Little)

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COVINGTON, Va. – Operators at Gathright Dam began a controlled flood storage release here this week.

Beginning at 9 a.m. Tuesday, operators at the dam gradually increased the release rate from 1,200 cubic feet per second (cfs) to 5,000 cfs over a three-hour period.

This change in release rates will increase river stages at the dam about 2.7 feet and approximately 2.5 feet in Covington.

The release is necessary due to heavy rain from Feb. 26 to 28, which resulted in a peak inflow of 12,695 cfs into Lake Moomaw. The increased inflow caused the lake to rise to 9.9 feet above normal pool levels.

The flood release will continue for the next several days and is expected to remain below flood stage.

People who live near the river and those who use the river for recreation should be alert to changing river conditions caused by the release.

Residents can monitor the Norfolk District’s, website, www.nao.usace.army.mil, and social media on Facebook and Twitter 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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District conducting controlled flood release at Gathright Da

By Norfolk District Public Affairs @norfolkdistrict

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Norfolk District

Published March 3, 2021

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