CONCORD, Mass. – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, New England District, plans to release water from Ball Mountain Dam and Townshend Dam in Jamaica and Townshend, Vermont, on Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 21-22, 2019. These flows will allow recreational paddling on the West River. This schedule is subject to change or cancellation, if conditions require.

Park gates will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. to welcome the 800 expected participants. The Corps plans to release about 1,500 cubic feet per second (cfs) from both dams from about 10:30 a.m. to about 2:30 p.m. or until the stored water is depleted. The 8-mile run from Ball Mountain Dam to Townsend Lake has class I-IV rapids.

Ball Mountain Dam was constructed in 1961 at a cost of $11 million. The 915‑foot‑long, 265‑foot‑high dam can impound 54,600‑acre‑feet or 17.8 billion gallons of water. Since it was placed in operation in 1961, it has prevented $185.4 million in flood damages ($331.7 million, adjusted for inflation).. The reservoir area offers many recreational opportunities, including: swimming, picnicking, fishing, hunting, canoeing, nature study and camping at Winhall Brook Camping Area. Ball Mountain welcomes more than 130,000 visitors each year.

Townshend Dam is 1,700 feet long, 133 feet high and cost $7.4 million to construct. Its lake can hold 33,700-acre‑feet or 11 billion gallons of water. Since it was placed in operation in 1961, it has prevented damages of $149.1 million ($239.2 million, adjusted for inflation). The reservoir area offers many recreational opportunities, including swimming, picnicking, fishing, hunting, canoeing, boating and nature study. The project attracts nearly 81,000 visitors annually. For more information visit the website at:  https://www.nae.usace.army.mil/Missions/Recreation/Townshend-Lake/.

Ball Mountain Lake is located at 88 Ball Mountain Lane off of Route 30/ Route 100 in Jamaica. For more information on the white water event or recreation at Corps projects contact the Ball Mountain Lake project office at (802) 874-4881 or visit the website at: https://www.nae.usace.army.mil/Missions/Recreation/Ball-Mountain-Lake/.

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