Name: |
p.c.
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Subject: |
APC Gate Operations?
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Date:
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3/25/2009 11:43:21 AM
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This is posted on APC's website, I'm sure this is a dumb question, but what are Gate Operations?
Due to forecasted rainfall, gate operation may be necessary at Martin by Thursday. Lake elevations are always subject to change, depending on conditions.
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Name: |
MrHodja
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Subject: |
APC Gate Operations?
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Date:
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3/25/2009 12:29:35 PM
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Based on the dire predictions of copious, long lasting rainfall I'm afraid they mean FLOOD Gate Operations....may keep Martin at or below flood stage, but what about the poor folks downstream??
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Name: |
boataholic
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Subject: |
APC Gate Operations?
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Date:
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3/25/2009 12:43:56 PM
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Tallapoosa River south of Wetumpka is relatively high already.
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Name: |
Swimmer27
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Subject: |
APC Gate Operations?
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Date:
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3/25/2009 12:46:14 PM
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Hodja is correct in that it refers to flood gate operations. The flood gates must be opened manually by use of the overhead crane. They are also opened according to a pattern established by the engineers. Martin has 21 gates I believe, but in most instances only a few get opened. As for downstream, well they will be just fine, just as they have every time the gates have been opened for the past 80+ years.
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Name: |
boataholic
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Subject: |
APC Gate Operations?
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Date:
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3/25/2009 12:50:23 PM
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Mostly cows in the areas that flood anyhow.
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Name: |
p.c.
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Subject: |
APC Gate Operations?
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Date:
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3/25/2009 2:49:11 PM
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Thanks for the information. Only been on the lake since '94, never seen the water over full pool (don't want to start now!)
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Name: |
Swimmer27
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Subject: |
APC Gate Operations?
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Date:
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3/25/2009 4:44:26 PM
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No one has ever seen this lake out of her banks. And this little rain event wont be the first I can assure you. 21 gates release a LOT of water. I predict that no more than 6 will even be opened.
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Name: |
sagetek
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Subject: |
Back in 80's
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Date:
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3/25/2009 6:22:13 PM
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They let it sneak up on them, and flood gates were opened so much the bridge below the dam washed away. Anybody remember exactly when that was?
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Name: |
Mack
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Subject: |
Probably 1989,,,
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Date:
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3/25/2009 6:29:37 PM
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as mentioned below in the "unthinkable" post. It was 490.88, but "out of her banks"//, debatable.
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Name: |
MythBuster
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Subject: |
NOT 1989...
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Date:
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3/26/2009 1:37:01 AM
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The level DID rise above 490 in 1989, and they had to raise some gates, but the Highway 50 bridge survived. Around 1973, though, it did not; the pilings of the old bridge are still visible when you drive over the current bridge; just look towards the dam.
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Name: |
Swimmer27
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Subject: |
It was 1980
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Date:
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3/26/2009 5:58:42 AM
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Name: |
Aardvark
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Subject: |
1989
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Date:
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3/26/2009 8:48:10 PM
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I remember during the summer of 1989 a tropical system stalled over the state, and that forced APCo to open several gates since the lake was already full. I can't remember how many gates were open, but I want to say that over ten were opened at one time. I took some good pictures at both Martin and Thurlow Dams. If I knew where they were, I would try to post them.
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Name: |
JohnGalt
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Subject: |
Back in 80's
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Date:
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3/27/2009 8:32:22 AM
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Found this link that actually has pictures of the event. Scroll down to the black and white photos. Hope the link works.
URL: http://md.water.usgs.gov/publications/wsp-2375/al/index.html
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That was interesting....I also enjoyed the subtle way you brought forth the correct date of the event.
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