WARNING ISSUED FOR RESIDENTS DOWNSTREAM FROM LOVELAND RESERVOIR DUE TO TROPICAL CYCLONE HILARY

By Miriam Raftery

By Miriam Raftery

File photo of past spillover at Loveland Dam, via Sweetwater Water Authority

August 20, 2023 (Alpine) – Warning letters have been sent by Sweetwater Water Authority to residents downstream from Loveland Reservoir, in anticipation of “unplanned water release, or spills”  due to anticipated heavy rains from tropical storm Hilary. “These potential unplanned water release, together with expected abundant storm runoff, could cause flooding in areas downstream,” the district’s website cautions.

Residents downstream are urged to relocate livestock, equipment and materials out of the floodway, to inspect their properties, and clear critical culverts as soon as possible to reduce potential property damage.

Flooding could continue even after Monday, when rains are forecast to end, due to storm runoff into the river.

Despite this, Sweetwater Authority states on its website, “The dam at Loveland is structurally sound, and there is no dam safety concern. Overflows of Loveland Reservoir are not uncommon in wet years, with the last unplanned water release at Loveland Dam occurring from late 2011 through early 2012.”

The district adds that its staff is working closely with local and state agencies to monitor the situation, and will update the agency’s website at www.sweetwater.org with any additional information as it becomes available.

“Area residents should also be sure to follow any additional instructions from local authorities, as conditions may change,” Sweetwater Water Authority’s message on its website today concludes.

Correction:  An earlier version of this story stated that Loveland had safety concerns; in fact it is Sweetwater Dam, the district's other dam, which is a safety concern per the state.