Fontburn Reservoir

Lake, Pool, Pond, Freshwater Marsh in Northumberland

England

Fontburn Reservoir

Fontburn emergency overflow. Gone! All the &#039;over centre&#039; &#039;release gates&#039; have been deliberately toppled and laid flat; their outlines can be clearly seen on the ground (with a layer of gravel to reduce the possibility of tripping over their edges?). In the event of extremely high water levels in the reservoir, it will now overspill through this route at a significantly lower level than that required to trigger the &#039;release gates&#039;. I wonder if this is a measure designed to reduce the absolute maximum pressure on an old dam as part of a national reassessment following the Whaley Bridge dam incident in August 2019?

See <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/6496686">NZ0493 : Fontburn emergency overflow</a> and <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/6474900">NZ0493 : Giant plughole in action 2</a> — Fontburn emergency overflow. Gone! Credit: Leanmeanmo

Fontburn Reservoir is a man-made lake located in Northumberland, England. It was created in the mid-1970s as part of a water supply scheme for the region. The reservoir covers an area of approximately 87 hectares and has a storage capacity of around 6 million cubic meters.

Surrounded by picturesque countryside, Fontburn Reservoir offers a peaceful and scenic environment for visitors. It is a popular spot for outdoor activities such as fishing, walking, and birdwatching. The reservoir is well-stocked with a variety of fish species, including brown and rainbow trout, making it a haven for anglers. Fishing permits can be obtained on-site, allowing visitors to enjoy a day of relaxation by the water.

The reservoir is also home to a diverse range of birdlife, making it an ideal location for birdwatchers. Common sightings include great crested grebes, tufted ducks, and various species of gulls. The surrounding woodlands provide a habitat for numerous other wildlife species, including mammals such as red squirrels and roe deer.

Fontburn Reservoir is managed by Northumbrian Water, who ensures the conservation and maintenance of the site. The area around the reservoir is well-maintained, with picnic areas and walking trails for visitors to enjoy. The tranquil atmosphere and beautiful scenery make Fontburn Reservoir a popular destination for nature lovers and those seeking a peaceful retreat in the heart of Northumberland.

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Fontburn Reservoir Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 55.236538/-1.9268033 or Grid Reference NZ0493. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Fontburn emergency overflow. Gone!

All the 'over centre' 'release gates' have been deliberately toppled and laid flat; their outlines can be clearly seen on the ground (with a layer of gravel to reduce the possibility of tripping over their edges?). In the event of extremely high water levels in the reservoir, it will now overspill through this route at a significantly lower level than that required to trigger the 'release gates'. I wonder if this is a measure designed to reduce the absolute maximum pressure on an old dam as part of a national reassessment following the Whaley Bridge dam incident in August 2019? See NZ0493 : Fontburn emergency overflow and NZ0493 : Giant plughole in action 2

Leanmeanmo

Drought at Fontburn Reservoir

The water level has been lower in the past but, some 20 ft down from its maximum, this was close to the lowest point of the summer. Does it make it easier for the fishermen?

Leanmeanmo

Drought at Fontburn Reservoir

The water level has been lower in the past but, some 20 ft down from its maximum, this was close to the lowest point of the summer.

Leanmeanmo

Drought at Fontburn Reservoir

The hand crafted scale, chiselled on the tower in Roman numerals, makes it easy to gauge how low the water level has dropped this summer. Presumably it measures the height above the dam base.

Leanmeanmo

Barrage stability monitoring points

Rather like Fundamental Bench Marks, these datum points are used to monitor the level and stability of the dam. Five of them, regularly spaced along the parapet, are checked frequently with a high precision GPS device.

Leanmeanmo

Barrage stability monitoring points

Leanmeanmo

More carnage from Storm Arwen

The fence was suspended some 2m in the air. One year on and there is still a huge backlog of fallen trees to clear.

Leanmeanmo

Drought at Fontburn Reservoir

Towards the upper end of the reservoir. The water level has been lower in the past but, some 20 ft down from its maximum, this was close to the lowest point of the summer.

Leanmeanmo

Disused rail viaduct at Fontburn

Leanmeanmo

Wintry pond in Ewesley quarry

Leanmeanmo

Low winter sun on Ewesley quarry wall

Leanmeanmo

Ewesley Fell Cottage

P Gaskell

Bridge abutments at the old Ewesley Station

P Gaskell

Gateway to field

P Gaskell

Giant plughole in action again

This could well be as high as the water level has ever been, as an hour later the River Font at the Nunnykirk monitoring station, just downstream of the dam, was at its highest ever recorded level. The 'plughole' wasn't yet a vortex but the central updraught of spray was spectacular. NZ0493 : Giant plughole

Leanmeanmo

Giant plughole in action again

Leanmeanmo

High-watermark at Fontburn?

The water level is above the highest point on the scale (see NZ0493 : Drought at Fontburn Reservoir) but, comparing it with the photo taken during last summer's drought, it would seem to be at about 81 feet, some 6.4 m above the summer low point.

Leanmeanmo