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12/03/2009

Gates Opened at Dam

12-03-09
Two flood gates were opened approximately 1 foot at 8 pm this date in an effort to lower the lake to its normal level. This will be the equivalent of 1/2 of what 1 generator currently discharges during normal operation. Two more gates are expected to be opened on December 4th. When the maximum release of water is reached, it should raise the water level in the river approximately 3 feet at the tailwaters below the dam. This information was obtained from the Corp of Engineers office at Greers Ferry Lake. Below is a press release obtained from the Army Corps of Engineers.

GREERS FERRY LAKE UPDATE LITTLE ROCK, Ark. 
The Army Corps of Engineers is reminding interested persons to expect a possible increase in releases from Greers Ferry Dam beginning Dec. 3 to accommodate the seasonal change to a 21-foot river stage at Georgetown as officials evacuate flood water stored in the lake. Forecast rainfall could delay the operation. In accordance with the approved water control plan for the reservoir, the seasonal regulating stage changes Dec. 1 each year. If floodwater is being stored in the lake during the agricultural growing season, releases are timed not to exceed a 13-foot stage at Georgetown. Of course heavy rain below the dam can cause the stage to rise well above 13 feet, and this has occurred several times this year, which has been abnormally high in rainfall. Then on Dec. 1 each year after farmers have had time to harvest crops from low-lying fields, the seasonal operating stage is raised to 21 feet at Georgetown. This enables the Corps to evacuate floodwater in the lake more quickly in case of future flood-producing rains. The difference this year from most others is that repeated heavy rains have filled the lake much fuller than is usual this time of year. Therefore, a combination of releases through the hydropower plant turbines and spillway releases will be required. While this is normal procedure, spillway releases have not been required from Greers Ferry to supplement turbine releases to maintain a 21-foot stage since 1983.

 -MORE- GREERS FERRY LAKE UPDATE
2. Combined turbine and spillway releases are not expected to exceed 15,000 cubic feet per second. Officials caution anglers downstream from the dam to be extra vigilant because currents will be strong and swift when the larger releases are being made. Officials also advise downstream boat dock owners to ensure their docks are properly secured to withstand high flows. Owners of docks on Greers Ferry Lake are being advised to move their docks as needed to prevent them from grounding as the lake recedes. Greers Ferry is one of six Corps lakes in the White River Basin that helps reduce the frequency and severity of floods. Releases from two of the other lakes, Bull Shoals and Norfork, were altered earlier this week as the seasonal regulating stage increased. There, too, moderate spillway releases are being made in conjunction with releases through the power plant turbines to safely evacuate floodwater stored in the lakes. The water control plans for the lakes in the White River system are comprehensive in nature and attempt to balance benefits throughout the basin. These plans have been in use for many years and were developed through extensive public involvement as well as various perspectives from local, state, and federal entities. Information regarding lake levels and power generation is available at www.swl-wc.usace.army.mil, under the Daily Reports (Little Rock District Lakes Pool Forecast) or Real-time Data (Reservoirs) headings.