The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Baltimore District, began the annual late winter drawdown of Foster Joseph Sayers Lake Feb. 17.
The late winter drawdown allows for additional flood control storage available during the spring when the risk of flooding is at its highest. Similar drawdowns have been accomplished for the past 20 years and are part of the normal protocol for the regulation of Sayers Lake.
The drawdown is anticipated to be completed by March 1,, 2015.
This year, the Corps will also take the opportunity provided by the annual drawdown to conduct some needed engineering investigations within the stilling basin and river channel immediately downstream of the dam. These investigations are currently scheduled to occur Feb. 24 (weather permitting). The investigations will involve making reservoir releases of differing amounts throughout the day.
Residents and other interests along Bald Eagle Creek should be aware of the potential for changing flow conditions and both rising and falling river stages Feb. 24. The investigations will be postponed or cancelled if hydrologic conditions on Feb. 24 are not considered safe or conducive for making the releases for the investigation.
If you have additional questions, please contact the US Army Corps of Engineers Corporate Communication Office at 410-962-7464.
Release no. 15-002