TVA Forecasts Kentucky Reservoir to Reach Record Highs

April 29, 2011

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – The Tennessee Valley Authority forecasts Kentucky Reservoir in western Kentucky and western Tennessee could reach record height between April 29 and May 5, 2011, potentially exceeding normal summer levels by 15 feet.

TVA is working with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to retain water behind Kentucky Dam to reduce significant downstream flooding anticipated on the Ohio and Mississippi rivers. TVA has already begun the process of storing water from the Tennessee River system in Kentucky Reservoir until the Ohio and Mississippi rivers crest.

TVA expects Kentucky Reservoir levels to reach about 374 feet above sea level on May 5, 2011. The lake's normal summer water level is 359 feet. Reservoir levels already are above the 359-foot summer pool and rising.

"Property owners along Kentucky Reservoir, as well as those who enjoy recreation on the water, should be aware that reservoir levels are forecasted to climb into the area of all-time highs as we approach May 5," said Chuck Bach, general manager of river scheduling for TVA . "Once the Ohio and Mississippi flood crests occur, TVA anticipates being able to bring Kentucky Reservoir back down to its normal operating levels for this time of year."

Shawnee Fossil Plant, which is on the Ohio River northwest of Paducah, Ky., is not expected to be affected by the water levels. However, workers at the plant are prepared with sandbags and inflatable barriers if the river rises higher than expected.

Kentucky Reservoir water levels can be viewed online by visiting http://www.tva.com/river/lakeinfo.

The Tennessee Valley Authority, a corporation owned by the U.S. government, provides electricity for utility and business customers in most of Tennessee and parts of Alabama, Mississippi, Kentucky, Georgia, North Carolina and Virginia – an area of 80,000 square miles with a population of 9 million. TVA operates 29 hydroelectric dams, 11 coal-fired power plants, three nuclear plants and 11 natural gas-fired power facilities that can produce about 34,000 megawatts of electricity, delivered over 16,000 miles of high-voltage power lines. TVA also provides flood control, navigation, land management and recreation for the Tennessee River system and works with local utilities and state and local governments to promote economic development across the region. TVA, which makes no profits and receives no taxpayer money, is funded by sales of electricity to its customers. Electricity prices in TVA's service territory are below the national average.

Media Contact:

Travis Brickey, (865) 632-6263
TVA Media Relations, Knoxville, (865) 632-6000
TVA Newsroom