Maintenance work on the gates is being performed in response to small cracks in the exterior steel plates of the counter-weights. The modifications will allow for the continued safe operation of the dam and are not expected to impact operations of the facility. The structure is sound and the work is considered part of normal dam maintenance, said USBR.
Webster dam is the principal feature of the Webster Unit which provides flood control for areas downstream of the dam, irrigation water to 3440 irrigable hectares, fish and wildlife conservation and enhancement, and recreation opportunities.
Work is expected to be completed by the end of November 2005.
