Post by Logan on Apr 13, 2017 18:36:20 GMT -6
Rain prompts reopening of fractured Oroville Dam spillway as state races to finish repair plan
Even as they finalize plans to repair Oroville Dam’s damaged spillway, state water managers say continued rain and snowmelt means the fractured structure will need to keep doing its job for now.
The California Department of Water Resources plans to reopen the spillway gates Friday morning for the first time since March 27. Acting DWR Director Bill Croyle, speaking to reporters Thursday, said dam operators expect to run the spillway for 10 to 14 days, shut it off for inspections, and then run it again one more time this spring.
In all likelihood, Croyle said repairs on the spillway are likely to start in late May or early June. Until then, he said DWR will focus on reducing lake levels to around 835 feet "to anticipate that snowmelt and the storms that keep coming." The latest storms have elevated lake levels to around 863 feet.
DWR is attempting to strike a balance between lowering the lake level as much as possible and shutting off the spillway for good in order to begin repairs. As it is, Croyle has acknowledged that spillway repairs won't be complete until sometime next year, and the 3,000-foot-long concrete chute will remain partially unfixed through the next rainy season. Still, he said the spillway, despite the enormous damage that's occurred since the initial fracture Feb. 7, will be functional next winter.
Read more here: www.fresnobee.com/latest-news/article144500114.html
Even as they finalize plans to repair Oroville Dam’s damaged spillway, state water managers say continued rain and snowmelt means the fractured structure will need to keep doing its job for now.
The California Department of Water Resources plans to reopen the spillway gates Friday morning for the first time since March 27. Acting DWR Director Bill Croyle, speaking to reporters Thursday, said dam operators expect to run the spillway for 10 to 14 days, shut it off for inspections, and then run it again one more time this spring.
In all likelihood, Croyle said repairs on the spillway are likely to start in late May or early June. Until then, he said DWR will focus on reducing lake levels to around 835 feet "to anticipate that snowmelt and the storms that keep coming." The latest storms have elevated lake levels to around 863 feet.
DWR is attempting to strike a balance between lowering the lake level as much as possible and shutting off the spillway for good in order to begin repairs. As it is, Croyle has acknowledged that spillway repairs won't be complete until sometime next year, and the 3,000-foot-long concrete chute will remain partially unfixed through the next rainy season. Still, he said the spillway, despite the enormous damage that's occurred since the initial fracture Feb. 7, will be functional next winter.
Read more here: www.fresnobee.com/latest-news/article144500114.html