SWEET HOME — The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is lowering the water at Foster Reservoir on the South Santiam River to repair two of four spillway gates.

An inspection in June showed the gates would not work during a moderate storm when the reservoir was full.

The reservoir is popular among boaters and other recreationists, attracting 300,000 visits a summer.

The work is expected to take 11 days. One boat ramp will remain operational.

Corps officials say they were reluctant to undertake repairs in the summer but say it was necessary. They add the dam is in no jeopardy of failing.

The dam was finished in 1968 to provide recreation, flood control and power.