We had a quick response from Green Mountain Power Corporation that controls the water level in Joe's Pond with the dam in West Danville.  As some of you will recall, there was a break in the penstock last year that washed out the power station at West Danville.  This has prevented generating power, but the dam controlling the water level is still perfectly functional.  Here is the response from Josh at GMP: 

Hi Tom,
 We have fielded a few emails through the call center as well.  Unfortunately, the hydro plant is not in operation.  There is still a good deal of work to be done there, however we have full control at the dam.  In preparation for this event we have drawn down the pond to the lower end of the acceptable range, and have also made an adjustment to the rubber bag which will allow it to fully deflate sooner as the pond rises.  We will be monitoring the pond level round the clock, and our field operator will be making adjustments as necessary throughout the event.  We are watching closely and hoping for a minimal rain event at this point - looking like more wind than precip right now, but still a little uncertain. 

Regards,
Josh

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 We hope the water will flow out of the pond freely enough to prevent flooding, but with the limits set by the Public Service Board some years ago, Washington Electric is unable to manage the level effectively in some instances.  Previous to those restrictions, the water level could be drawn down well below "normal" to allow for unusual circumstances such as "Sandy," or spring runoff in years when there is a lot of snow.  The Joe's Pond Association has asked the PSB numerous times to reconsider their limits, but PSB remains adamant.  We will keep trying; perhaps one day there will be a different mind set in that office and we may be able to at least reach a compromise. Tom and Camilla live in Middletown, Connecticut, which is likely to be impacted strongly by "Sandy."  Tom added that they have put away deck and lawn furniture and plants, and they will be prepared.  Fred and I will have a reserve of water in the bathtub and plenty of drinking water on hand in case the power goes out.  It could be a rocky week coming up, so enjoy the weekend, but also use it to stock up and batten down in preparation. 

I apologize about the font differences here - I can't seem to get the blogger program to do what I want this morning, and my technical adviser is otherwise occupied.