T R Dam Had A Lightning Strike, Phone # Down

[Brian K. Shaffer]

The operator didn't know the "decktalk" or Taney/Beaver generation information phone number was down until I just called in and told them. The guy was really friendly about it - but he did say, "We work here, so we never have a need to call that number. We just look outside."

He said the structure was hit by more than one lightning strike with the last batch of strong storms that moved thru. In addition to the phone line being down, their own card readers to let them in the parking lot and into the building were compromised. He said it really has made things difficult since Friday.

"The fix could actually be handled remotely by CenturyTel or Suddenlink...", James also said. "But more than likely the strikes blew out some capacitors or surge regulators and they will have to come out and fix it all back up."

At least its covered under their monthly additional protection fees they pay.. uhh.. wait .. I mean WE pay.

If you do not know the number - it is (417) 336-5083. They had it upgraded to where it now gives you the cubic feet per second (CFS) the river is actually flowing in real time. (No projected loading schedule on this number by the way... just current real time info for Taney/Beaver generation.)

Phil has the SPA Projected Generation Schedule in a link next to Lake Levels and Quick Links above. Just choose the day you wish to know about, confirm your date is correct and not last week, and look for # 12 which is TRD.

Extra Credit Fun Reading Material to brush up your skills - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lightning

"Objects struck by lightning experience heat and magnetic forces of great magnitude. The heat created by lightning currents traveling through a tree may vaporize its sap, causing a steam explosion that bursts the trunk,"

Phil and I experienced this on the Pere Marquette River in Baldwin, Michigan. Lightning blew up a tree right next to us while we were fishing on the river. We had thunder-snow that same day.

[fishinwrench]

Did anyone ever figure out what that big contraption on wheels was for, that came in via military convoy last Winter?

[Brian K. Shaffer]

I wonder if that wasn't something to do with the liquid oxygen injection system, but truthfully - I never saw the thing. Got any pictures ? anyone ?

[copper10]

Just called the number. It's working now. Got all the info.