Work is underway at Trinity Reservoir as part of Reclamation’s ongoing dam maintenance. The task at hand includes the installation of Trinity Reservoir’s refurbished penstock intake structure (also called a “bulkhead”).

Reclamation began the project last fall to rehabilitate the reservoir’s hemispherical bulkhead during low lake levels. Reinstallation of the bulkhead began on March 6 and requires a temporary bypass of the Trinity Powerplant for approximately three weeks. During this time the public may notice water releases from the dam’s auxiliary valve. These are normal water releases into the Trinity River that are required for flow augmentation. No additional water is being released as part of the dam maintenance project.

Trinity Powerplant bulkhead held by crane

Trinity Reservoir is currently 36% of capacity (50% of historical average). The reservoir is heavily dependent on spring snowmelt to fill. Snowpack in the northern Sierra/Trinity mountains is 182% of normal for this date.

The dam maintenance project is expected by be complete by March 31. Contact Public Affairs Office at mppublicaffairs@usbr.gov or 916-978-5100 for more information.

Original source can be found here