6:30pm: New photos from Gilboa, up by Nickerson campground, via Beth Anne on Facebook.
The Zambrano Clans site in the campground:
House perched on eroded ledge (Beaver's edge?):
Stryker Road:
12:15pm, Monday, 8/29/11: The latest from the NYC DEP: The Gilboa Dam is still fine:
Update on Condition of Gilboa Dam Water Has Crested and Is Receding Due to very heavy rain associated with Hurricane Irene, Schoharie Reservoir received extraordinary water flows that raised the water level to an unprecedented 1,137.95 feet—nearly one and a half feet higher than the previous record, set during a storm in January 1996. The water is now receding, and will return to normal levels as area stream flows continue to decline following the storm. DEP engineers have performed a preliminary assessment, and there is no evidence of structural deterioration of the dam as a result of today’s historic flows. The storm-related impacts on the reservoir and dam triggered the emergency action plan that has been in place since 2005. To protect the public, the plan requires an area-wide evacuation until extraordinary conditions—like today’s storm—have abated, and any potential impacts to the dam are assessed. DEP will conduct additional engineering inspections tonight, and we will provide additional information as soon as possible.
8pm, Sunday 8/28/11: The New York City Department of Environmental Protection reports that the Gilboa Dam is structurally sound tonight despite the record-setting floodwaters that rushed over it today. Schoharie County is still in a full state of emergency, with all roads closed to travel.
A commenter on our liveblog this afternoon sent us the above photo of Nickerson Park Campground, below Gilboa Dam, which reportedly has been washed away.
Here's the DEP's press release, issued at 7:56pm:
Although the dam is safe, the floodwaters have caused unprecedented damage in Schoharie County. Schoharie County remains in a state of emergency, with all public roads closed to travel. We have been working closely with Schoharie County officials throughout the day and ask all to heed the county directive and to not travel.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 28, 2011 No. 82 Update on Condition of Gilboa Dam Water Has Crested and Is Receding
Due to very heavy rain associated with Hurricane Irene, Schoharie Reservoir received extraordinary water flows that raised the water level to an unprecedented 1,137.95 feet—nearly one and a half feet higher than the previous record, set during a storm in January 1996. The water is now receding, and will return to normal levels as area stream flows continue to decline following the storm. DEP engineers have performed a preliminary assessment, and there is no evidence of structural deterioration of the dam as a result of today’s historic flows. The storm-related impacts on the reservoir and dam triggered the emergency action plan that has been in place since 2005. To protect the public, the plan requires an area-wide evacuation until extraordinary conditions—like today’s storm—have abated, and any potential impacts to the dam are assessed. DEP will conduct additional engineering inspections tonight, and we will provide additional information as soon as possible.
