HEUVELTON -- Temporary repairs have been made to a gate in a hydroelectric dam on the Oswegatchie River at Heuvelton.

The pond behind the dam, which drained after the failure, should begin refilling, according to the company that operates and maintains the dam.

Jeff Auser, an engineer with Brookfield Renewable Power, said the company has "completed temporary repairs of the gate that experienced a mechanical failure at the Heuvelton Dam on Tuesday."

As a result of the unplanned release of water Tuesday morning, downstream areas saw river levels rise while the pond behind the dam dried up.

"The Heuvelton pond, upstream of the dam, will begin to refill this afternoon," Auser said.

"This may take several days, depending on river and weather conditions."

Auser is warning people to stay out of and away from the pond as it fills.

There is no word on any plan for a permanent fix.