December 30, 2009

Update on the floodgates on the Greers Ferry Dam


After more than 10 days of emptying Greers Ferry Lake through the Greers Ferry Dam to around four feet above normal, almost all of it was wiped out last week with torrential rains. Christmas Eve saw heavy rains that raised the level of the Greers Ferry Lake to 471.2', over 10' above the normal pool level.

The intent of opening the floodgates was to "make room" for the spring rains, but these heavy rains have sort of spoiled that. The alternative was to do nothing, and then where would we be?

The Floodgates Are Open

For the first time in 27 years and only the second time ever, floodgates on the Greers Ferry Dam were opened earlier this month. On December 3rd, the Corps of Engineers, which operates the Greers Ferry Dam, opened two of the six flood gates in concert with releases through the hydropower plant turbines to relieve the high water levels that have brought the lake almost fourteen feet above normal.

The last time the dam floodgates were opened was in 1982 during a very wet year, not unlike the one we endured this year. After seven days the lake level is under nine feet above normal and should be at normal pool level of 461.44 in just a couple of weeks. This will allow the lake to start at a normal level as the wet season approaches early next year.

While reducing levels of Greers Ferry Lake, the Little Red River is raging. With about twice the normal water going downstream, less than 15,000 cubic feet per second, dock owners and anglers are warned.

If you get a chance to check out the dam, the JFK lookout is an excellent bird’s eye view and the sound is pretty awesome with tons of water pouring down the face of the dam. According to history, this event only takes place, on average, every twenty-four years.