Lake Arbutus Dam Repairs Complete, Refill Begins
Wednesday, May 7th, 2014 -- 8:13 AM
-North American Hydro advises that they have completed the repairs of the Hatfield Dam.North American Hydro staff and contractors started repairs to the crest gates on the Hatfield Dam after a defective crest gate arm was found on February 16th. The repairs to the arms were completed Sunday May 4th.
With the completion of the repairs, the Lake Arbutus refill has begun. Lake Arbutus was drawn down six feet in February once the problem with the crest gate arm was discovered. The draw down was necessary for workers to access the dam safely to do repairs and to mitigate an uncontrolled release. Lake Arbutus will refill at steady rate until the lake level reaches its normal pool level. ?We are estimating that the refill will take approximately a week?, said Jereme Klassy of North American Hydro.
Installation of the boat barriers near the dam are scheduled to be installed today, May 7th. ?Until the boat barriers are installed, we are urging boaters to use extra caution?, said John Ross of Clark County Emergency Management.
?We appreciate everyone?s patience during the repairs?, stated Jackson County Emergency Management Coordinator Kristina Page. ?The safety of everyone involved was our first priority?.
Feel free to contact us with questions and/or comments.