[simage=2933,400,y,center]

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers at Lake Red Rock has updated its forecast on water levels and rates of discharge. As of  9:30 a.m. Thursday, the conservation pool level was at 776.75 feet, which is nearly 35 feet above the normal pool level, and six feet shy of the record. The newest forecast projects the lake level to rise to 777.5 feet during the next few days. Water flowing in to Lake Red Rock is peaking Thursday at a rate of 55,000 cubic feet per second, while discharge at the dam has increased to 40,000 cubic feet per second. As of Thursday morning, there are no plans to increase the rate of discharge from the dam.

Additionally, Howell Station below the dam has been closed, and will remain while members of the Army Corps of Engineers re-evaluate the current conditions.

Marion County Emergency Management Coordinator Jeff Anderson tells KNIA/KRLS News that access to the Martin Marietta sand plant on Highway 92 is uncertain given rising waters. In anticipation of the possibility of sandbags being needed if heavy rainfall continues, the Marion County Engineers office began hauling 64 tons of sand to a safe location to be available if needed. It is not anticipated that much sandbagging will need to occur, given current predictions.

The impact on Highway 92 at Highway T-25 also remains uncertain. The levee that breached in 2008 has not been repaired, and has actually grown in size. This area will be monitored closely by county personnel.

Some residents below the dam have begun to be impacted by rising waters, and it is anticipated that voluntary evacuation of some residents will begin Thursday.

Whitebreast Beach is closed due to high water levels. North Overlook Beach is closed due to Flood of 2008 Recovery work. Boat ramps that are currently open include those at Whitebreast Recreation Area, Marina Cove and Elk Rock State Park (just off of Highway 14) for lake access, and at Howell Station Landing for river access below the dam. Parking areas at the Marina Cove ramp are very limited during times of high water.

[simage=2928,400,y,center]

Updated 9:39 6/24/2010

Tags: , , ,