The Thornapple River above the Cascade Dam is in the process of being drawn down today. The lower water levels will continue to be low until Monday morning. The lower water levels provide better access for homeowners on the River to be able to remove their docks for the Winter. However, there is more to it than that.
The lowering of the river also provides the opportunity for the company that lease the Cascade Dam to inspect the dam and underwater equipment and make repairs and adjustments if necessary. This is an important inspection for the dam, as it is imperative that it function safely not only for the creation of electricity, but for the safety of those residents living both upstream and downstream of the dam. A sudden drop of water level could have major impacts to docks, boats, and (especially downstream) houses. This safety check is done in the Spring (April) and Fall (October) every year.
So, while you see the waterfront home-owners removing their boats and docks this weekend, Keep in mind there is also a major safety check going on at the dam.
P.S. - This process will be repeated at the Ada Dam in two weeks.
No comments:
Post a Comment