The city of Thief River Falls began slowly drawing down the Red Lake River on Friday, July 11 in order to complete repairs on the dam. The city will draw down the river by one foot. The walkway of the dam will be closed to foot traffic July 14-25.
Electric Superintendent Dale Narlock said concrete is deteriorating on the ends of piers 5 and 6. The thawing and freezing cycle led to their deterioration. It is anticipated that ICS General Contractors of Grand Forks, N.D., will finish the work in seven to 10 days as long as the weather allows. ICS will erect a crane on the east side of the dam to complete the $54,980 project.
The drawdown won’t affect downstream properties. Narlock said the same flow of water is expected downstream due to the heavy rains this area recently experienced.