Owens Gorge closed ‘til Sept. 13; Mammoth hosts fire evacuees; Geothermal well drilling begins near Shady Rest,

High water flows dangerous

The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power released higher-than-normal water down the Owens River Gorge starting Sept. 7, creating a potentially dangerous situation for recreationists in the popular climbing area. The high flows will continue until Sept. 13 and as such, DWP is closing the Gorge area from Sept. 7 until Sept. 13, after which the flow will diminish again.

No public access will be allowed within the Owens River Gorge from Long Valley Dam to the Control Gorge Power Plant.

DWP will monitor the area during the closure. The high flow regime, adopted as technique to improve the fishery and mimic a more natural cycle on the river (which is now fully controlled by several dams), is being done in cooperation with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife and Mono County.

“This channel maintenance will help improve fishery and wildlife habitat along the 10-mile stretch of river between the Upper Gorge Power Plant and Pleasant Valley Reservoir,” DWP said.

The same high-water levels with strong currents pose potential safety hazards that could result in personal injury and property damage, they said.

Real time data on flow levels are available online: http://wsoweb.ladwp.com/aqueduct/realtime/ lvrealtime.htm

IF YOU WANT TO KNOW MORE

• For more information or to make a report please contact Water Operations Manager Eric Tillemans at 760-873-0256 or contact

Communications and Public Affairs Manager Jessica Johnson at 213-271-3369 or at jessica.johnson@ladwp.com

Photo submitted The Owens Gorge area is closed to climbing and all other recreational uses until Sept. 13 as LADWP releases a high water flow that will be used to flush out the Gorge and create more habitat for wildlife.