Thurmond Dam floodgate test delights spectators | The Augusta Chronicle

CLARKS HILL, S.C. — Huge crowds jammed highways and roadsides Thursday to enjoy a rare glimpse of water cascading from Thurmond Dam’s floodgates.

“It’s like Niagara Falls for Augusta,” said Beverly Cullipher, who joined an estimated 1,000 spectators who picnicked, took photos and socialized while enjoying the view – and the roar of falling water – during the two-hour gate test.

“It was well worth the walk,” said Ryan Tripp, of Aiken, who took time off work to take his three sons – Ben, Brayden and Barrett – to the Below Dam recreation area to enjoy the show.

The Army Corps of Engineers opened 22 of the dam’s 23 spillway gates from one to two feet apiece to make sure the recently renovated gates perform properly should an emergency release of water be required. The gates are designed to open more than 20 feet.

Although the falling water offered a spectacular view, it did not add to the volume of floodwaters already flowing downstream toward Augusta.

via Thurmond Dam floodgate test delights spectators | The Augusta Chronicle.