CLEARFIELD – A portion of the Raftman’s Memorial Dam, located along the West Branch of the Susquehanna River in Clearfield Borough, has broken away, Borough Operations Manager Leslie Stott confirmed in a phone interview with GANT News on Tuesday afternoon.
More specifically, a portion of the dam has broken away and is on the concrete floor with the rest further out in the river. While it may have occurred due to “wear and tear” on the dam, they are not for sure what caused it to break away, and they may never know, she said.
They have lowered the river’s water level “quite a bit” in order for the borough crew and engineer to take a look at the damage. The borough’s engineer will be on-site to conduct further inspection on the extent of the damage Thursday, according to Stott.
“We’re asking the public to steer clear for safety reasons,” she said. Stott noted danger signs have been posted in the area of the Raftman’s Memorial Dam. “… Lowering the river, I think, gives a good sense of what will happen if it’s not repaired.”
After the engineer’s inspection is completed, Stott said they will work on what can be done in an emergency and long-term so far as repairs to the dam.
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