Nashua River Dam @ Stellos

Subject: Nashua River Dam @ Stellos Today at 8:08 pm

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I went to the Nashua River to inspect the Mines Falls Dam tonight 4/13/10 after numerous reports that the river was extremely low. Visually, it seems to be 3-4 feet down.
I don't think you'll see it going up any time soon until someone rebuilds the left side of the dam opposite the cement spillway. The spillway is usually what is opened to let water out, I believe. As I look at the left side of the dam, most of the (plywood) retaining panels and the supports seem to have been broken away. I've never seen it that way since the dam was built years ago. There is no way to maintain a higher depth throughout the river without those panels in place. It looks like what you see now is what you will have for a while.
I am going to get in touch with the dam management people to see if this is true. I'll get back to you tomorrow.

Dan Dufour (NHBFN CD)

OK gang, this is the latest I've got.

Hi Dan,
The dam boards came down with the heavy rains that we had. The hydro dam people (Algonquin Power, 905-465-4500) will put the boards up once the level of the river is low enough for them to work on it. This should get the river level to it's normal state.
I look forward to seeing the boats on the river.

Nick Caggiano
Superintendent
Nashua Parks & Recreation Department

Unfortunately that doesn't speak well for at least the next few weeks if not longer.
I plan on contacting Algonquin Power tomorrow morning to get a projected start date and duration of the project. I will update again tomorrow.

Dan

I made the attempt yesterday 4/15 to get in touch with Algonquin Power who manage the Hydro dam after being directed to do so by Nick Caggiano of the Nashua Parks Department and the city hall.
2 voice mails and 1 email later, nobody has gotten back to me. I will remain persistent and try again today.
I will be back as soon as I get new information.

Dan

Being a pest pays off.
I spoke with Rick Covill of Algonquin Power who is the Regional Hydro Dam Manager. He tells me that a crane will be there today to remove debris and the balance of the existing panels (which are virtually doing nothing to hold water at this point). Then they will start replacing the supports & panels immediately. He feels that if all goes well the repairs should be in place and the water level rising in 1-2 weeks.
When asked whether this weekends 1" to 1-1/2" of rain will delay the operation, he said that they should be able to handle that amount and continue working.
So in summation,we are looking at optimistically having the water back in 3 weeks. Unfortunately this doesn't help Bubba this week or Last Cast next week.
Please be careful out there.

Update:
FYI: Algonquin power has completed the repairs on the Mines Falls Dam @ Stellos. The water level is back up and ready for safe passage again.