Recent reports that new cracks have suddenly appeared on the roadway over Wolf Creek Dam are inaccurate, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers stated Friday, June 25th . The Corps has been monitoring these cracks for several years, and widening of the cracks were one of the reasons work
was suspended in March in the 600-foot section of the dam nearest the concrete embankment.

Several months ago - it was observed that the cracks had widened
about ½ inch to an inch since the beginning of the year. This
movement and other small changes in instrumentation readings
prompted the partial work suspension in March.

As a precautionary measure, construction was suspended in Critical Area
1 to evaluate the most recent monitoring and instrumentation data. Critical Area 1 is the portion of the dam where the earthen embankment ties into the concrete section and has been the major source of seepage during the history of the dam’s operation. This evaluation continues with a focus
on the cracks in the roadway over the dam. The purpose of the evaluation at this point is to determine what is causing those cracks to widen. They could be caused by something as innocuous as weather or temperature, or possibly changes in lake levels, or they could be indicative of deeper shifting of the embankment. The dam is not in imminent danger. The Corp is
reportedly being overly cautious, and installing more instruments and taking the time to confirm the movements are not signs of deeper shifting of the embankment before we proceed with our construction efforts.

The evaluation and testing will also show more conclusively whether construction work in Critical Area 1 was contributing to the movement. Results of the tests are expected in August, at which time the Corps will be able to determine the appropriate way to proceed with treating, or fixing Critical Area 1. They want to ensure their treatment methods are effective and that they can safely install the remainder of the concrete barrier wall.

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