A few days ago I spoke with a gentleman with the LCRA (Lower Colorado River Authority) in reference to the risk of the flood gates of the dams opening (similiar to the risk of the prison gates opening...without intent) I told him I was concerned about family members who live off the lake areas in central Texas near Austin. The LCRA office had already confirmed that they would not be completely complient by the year 2000. He told me the good news was that several years ago the dams in this area were changed from remote computer operation of the flood gates to manual opening and closing of the gates. HOWEVER,...the use of the manual controls still requires a source of power to operate! At least they won't open unexpectedly. He did say that a couple of dams not too far up north along the river have access to a nearby generator for power.

The BAD NEWS is (according to this gentleman) that not all U.S. dams operate uder the same manual conditions, most have computerized opening and closing of flood gates...which may put those areas at risk!

If you or any one you know lives close to a controlled water source, it would be advisable to inquire about any possible risks.

Texas Terri

-- Terri Symington (TJSYM@AOL.com), September 29, 1998

Answers

One should always be cautious when hearing about a (non 100% manual) "backup system" in place -- after all, it may in fact have Y2K problems! Remember: Y2K is not just "a" hurricane, it will be multiple simultaneous hurricanes occuring.

-- Joe (shar@pei.com), September 30, 1998.

The "manual" systems also require a "Manuel" present and knowledgeable (or in comunication with somebody knowldegeable) to know when to open/shut/raise/lower the gate.

Those I've seen in this era dam (they're the ones my grandfather operated) can be (could be) operated manually, but may/may not have manual overides greased and prepared. More likely, the manual systems are actually "semi-permanently" cross-linked to electric motors (BIG electric motors) operating actuators.

If LCRA has tested their manual+manuel systems, and if they have enough operators present willing to crank the handwheels long enough, and if these operators are in communications with the other Austin and lower power and dam sites, then they can pull this off "as planned."

Mid-winter in South Texas = I don't remember many "floodwaters" until spring? ?(Please check me on this.)

-- Robert A. Cook, P.E. (Kennesaw, GA) (cook.r@csaatl.com), September 30, 1998.

blinking off, sorry!

-- Mike T. (anita_martini@hotmail.com), September 30, 1998.