News flash re Floods

[cp123]

Just in case anyone will be planning to ride home that way....



All Scrivener Dam Gates May Open

9 December 2010

All five flap gates at Scrivener Dam may be opened this afternoon to regulate the water level of Lake Burley Griffin.

In preparation of opening the flap gates, Lady Denman Drive has been closed to allow the dam operators free flowing access of the area.

'The National Capital Authority asks the public to stay away from the area around Scrivener Dam,” said Gary Rake, NCA Chief Executive.

Cycle paths near Scrivener Dam have also been cordoned off as a safety measure.

The National Capital Authority opened four of the five gates at Scrivener Dam this morning at 5.15am, 6.30am, 8.50am, and 9.30am following a water surge. There are currently three gates open.

'A second surge is predicted within the next 12 to 24 hours. The National Capital Authority expects all five flap gates will be open mid afternoon,” said Mr Rake.

'If all five gates are opened this afternoon, this will be the second time in Scrivener Dam’s history. The last occurrence was in 1976.

'900 kilolitres of water per second is being released into the Molonglo River. This equates to 77 760 mega litres per day.' said Mr Rake.

This is the fifth time the flap gates at Scrivener Dam have been opened this year.

Scrivener Dam is manned 24 hours a day during potential flood events.