Update: This story was updated Nov. 21 to include new details from Hydro-Québec.
Hydro-Québec is advising waterfront residents upstream of the Bryson Dam that river levels could fluctuate more than usual due to tests it is conducting, beginning Friday Nov. 21.
According to a communiqué dated Nov. 17, levels will rise between 30 cm and 50 cm over the course of the week of Nov. 24, and remain elevated for several weeks.
The fluctuations will be most noticeable just upstream of the dam, but effects on the waterfront could be observable as far as Lac Coulonge.
“This temporary increase will allow technical teams to carry out tests related to the recently completed work at the generating station,” the statement notes in French.
HQ community relations agent Simon Desjardins said that the crown corporation had been conducting work on the spillway crest, which has been underway for several months and will continue after the winter.
“Raising the water level upstream of the power plant will allow for various tests to be carried out on the recently refurbished turbine-generator unit,” he wrote in French.
The statement goes on to say levels are expected to drop by about 20 cm by mid-December and will remain within acceptable boundaries throughout the exercise.
Those with questions can contact HQ’s community relations line: 1-866-388-1978.
