Opening the spillways!

Above-normal rainfall in the basin of the upper Savannah River has prompted the Army Corps of Engineers today to make controlled spillway releases at the three major dams.  Late word from a Corps’ spokesman is that the Thurmond spillways were opened at 4 o’clock this morning.  The Hartwell and Russell spillways are now on schedule to be opened this afternoon or tomorrow.  Once the gates are opened, they are likely to remain opened for five to seven days—until water from the recent storm event can be safely evacuated from the reservoirs to make room for what future storms bring.  Although high volumes of rainfall are causing these conditions, water managers say there is not cause for concern, and that the dams and reservoirs were designed and equipped to handle this kind of event.  They are described well within their operating parameters.  Normal access to dam locations may be restricted.  Typical viewing areas will be closed out of precaution.  The road to the Hartwell Power Plant will be closed to vehicle traffic.  Record-breaking December rainfall is the cause for increased water levels at all three reservoirs.