CONCORD, Mass. – The
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, New England District, plans controlled releases from
Surry Mountain Dam, in Surry, New Hampshire, on Saturday, May 7, 2016, to
provide flows for recreational canoeing, kayaking and rafting on the Ashuelot
River. This release is subject to change or cancellation, if conditions
require.
The Corps of Engineers will
provide flows of approximately 275 cubic feet per second (cfs) from about 3:30
p.m. on Friday until about noon on Saturday, May 7 or until the water stored
for the event is depleted.
This water release will
support the annual Ashuelot River Canoe Race which has been held for about 30 years.
The Corps anticipates about 150 participants and 300-plus spectators, depending
on the weather, will take advantage of the release.
Construction of Surry Mountain
Dam was completed in 1941 at a cost of $2.8 million. The 1,800‑foot‑long, 86‑foot‑high
dam has a reservoir storage capacity of 10.6 billion gallons of water. During
the 1987 flood, this dam utilized 100 percent of its storage capacity and prevented
$8 million in flood damages.
Since construction in 1941,
the dam has prevented flood damages estimated at $149.5 million ($350.5 million,
adjusted for inflation). Surry Mountain Lake provides recreational
opportunities, such as fishing, swimming and boating to 58,000 visitors
annually.
For
more information on Surry Mountain Lake contact the Park Ranger staff at (603)
352-2447 or (603) 352-4130 or visit the website at www.nae.usace.army.mil/Missions/Recreation/SurryMountainLake.aspx.
Release no. 2016-044