TVA To Lower Level of Great Falls Reservoir

May 22, 2009

ROCK ISLAND, Tenn. – Following the Memorial Day weekend TVA will begin lowering the level of Great Falls Reservoir to permit crews to safely remove debris that is stuck under the spillway gates at the dam, preventing them from closing.

Because of heavy rainfall earlier this month, TVA has been spilling water at Great Falls Dam and other dams across the Tennessee Valley. As a result, large limbs and trees became stuck in the spillway gates at Great Falls.

TVA will lower the reservoir level to approximately 790 feet elevation — six to eight feet below the normal summer pool level. TVA expects the level to drop below the spillway gates in about a week, unless there is additional heavy rain.

When the debris has been removed, TVA will begin holding water back to allow the reservoir to refill. Depending on rainfall the reservoir should reach normal summer level by the second week of June.

TVA has been moving water through the river and reservoir system to reduce flood risks in local areas and to ensure there is enough room in the reservoirs for additional rain. To get current and predicted reservoir levels the public may go on line to www.tva.gov/river/lakeinfo/ or call (800) 238-2264.

TVA is the nation’s largest public power provider and is completely self-financing. TVA provides power to large industries and 158 power distributors that serve approximately 9 million consumers in seven southeastern states. TVA also manages the Tennessee River and its tributaries to provide multiple benefits, including flood damage reduction, navigation, water quality and recreation.

Media Contact

Barbara Martocci, Knoxville, (865) 632-8632
TVA News Bureau, Knoxville, (865) 632-6000

TVA Newsroom