Cathy Perfect - Kern Valley Sun

Some observant residents have inquired about the big white 'X's that began appearing by the roadsides last month and now dot the edges of Hwys. 155 and 178 around the lake.

Questions have come in many forms: Do they have anything to do with the work being done on the Main Dam and Auxiliary Dam? Are these the landing coordinates for alien beings?

One of the many white topographical markers around the lake that will assist the US Army Corps of Engineers in their work to repair Isabella’s main and auxiliary dams.

According to Dave Killam, of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Public Affairs Office, the 'X's are related to the comprehensive data-gathering and studies of the local terrain.

'We have planes fly over (the marked places),' Killam said. 'This helps us to define the topography.'

Meanwhile, Killam explained the Corps is working with the Forest Service on a Memorandum of Understanding for carrying out their separate activities at the dam. Drilling efforts at the Auxiliary Dam continue by the Corps’ Kansas City team and their work will be expanded to include additional drillings needed at the main dam this calendar year.

Analysis of the Auxiliary Dam seepage study is ongoing. 'A slight delay in the conclusion of the study’' has pushed back the date until late October, Killam said.

The Environmental Assessment (EA) for the reservoir was scheduled for release last month, but, according to Killam. It will be several more months before its release as analysts create and study a number of models created by compilation of the various data, he said.

The awarding of the contract for inundation modeling and mapping has also been delayed.

Representatives of the Corps are scheduled to present an update of the project status to the Kern County Board of Supervisors on Oct. 30.

More information is available at www.spk.usace.army.mil