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Corps of Engineers supports canoeists, kayakers, and rafters on West River with white water releases

Published Sept. 22, 2015

CONCORD, Mass. – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, New England District, plans for releases from Ball Mountain Dam and Townshend Dam in Jamaica and Townshend, Vermont, on Saturday, Sept. 26, 2015 to provide flows for recreational canoeing, kayaking and rafting. This release 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 approximately 800 participants the Corps expects to turn out to enjoy this white water event. The Corps expects to release about 1,500 cubic feet per second (cfs) for both Ball Mountain and Townshend Dams on Saturday, Sept. 26 from about 10 a.m. until the stored water is depleted. These flows will allow paddlers to enjoy the river. The 8-mile run from Ball Mountain Dam to Townsend Lake has class I-IV rapids.

 

The releases could be cancelled or modified due to low flow or high flow conditions.   

 

Ball Mountain Dam, on the West River in Jamaica, was constructed at a cost of $11 million in 1961 to reduce flooding. 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 damages of $162.2 million. The reservoir area offers many recreational opportunities, including: swimming, picnicking, fishing, hunting, canoeing, nature study and camping at Winhall Brook Camping Area in South Londonderry. Ball Mountain welcomes more than 130,000 visitors each year.

 

Townshend Dam, on the West River in Townshend, is 1,700 feet long, 133 feet high and cost $7.4 million to construct. Its lake can hold 33,700-acre‑feet or 10.8 billion gallons of water. Since it was placed in operation in 1961, it has prevented damages of $137.1 million. The reservoir area offers many recreational opportunities, including: swimming, picnicking, fishing, hunting, canoeing, boating and nature study and annually attracts nearly 81,000 visitors. 

 

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


Contact
Tim Dugan
978-318-8264
cenae-pa@usace.army.mil

Release no. 2015-083