Repair work is complete at Appalachian Power’s Byllesby hydroelectric dam in Carroll County, Va. allowing the company to reopen the area to outdoor enthusiasts. The forebay and portage access have been closed since spring 2014.
Byllesby and its companion Buck Dam were damaged by heavy rains and high water from a major storm that hit the New River in January 2013. Water overtopped the Byllesby dam and damaged its flashboards during one of the most severe events on record for the river.
Major repair work and dredging began earlier this year necessitating lowering the forebay and closing off portage points for travelers on the river. Appalachian planned to have the forebay back to its normal elevation and trails opened again by mid-November, but that was delayed because of unplanned repairs and uncooperative weather.
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Press Release