Nebraska Public Power District
Columbus, Neb. – Nebraska Public Power District (NPPD) is draining the Sutherland Canal system between Lake Ogallala, Sutherland Reservoir, and Lake Maloney to conduct maintenance and inspection activities. The process to dewater the canal system will last until September 21. The canal will then remain dewatered for approximately five to seven weeks before refilling to normal operating levels.
“It’s important for us to dewater the canal and conduct maintenance and in-depth inspections along the canal system to ensure the safe and successful operation of the system,” says NPPD Canaday, Water, and Renewable Energy Manager Kirk Evert.
While canal waters are lowered, crews will be conducting general maintenance activities along the canal, inspecting gates, inspecting the Lake Maloney Outlet, draining down Lake Maloney and the forebay above the North Platte Hydro to inspect the penstock inlet, and completing maintenance at the hydro.
While water is lowered at Lake Maloney, Nebraska Game and Parks will complete their angler access project to create additional fishing access to the south side of the Lake Maloney inlet area.