After some tense hours overnight when failure of the dam was thought to be imminent, good news today.
TVA has determined that as water levels continue to fall at Nolichucky Dam after a thorough review by the TVA Dam Safety team, TVA said they “have determined the dam is stable and secure. We are notifying local emergency management agencies that we are transitioning to an advanced monitoring mode of the dam and exiting the emergency condition.”
The dam was put under a Condition Red at 11:35 PM when water levels and flow rates reached their peak. TVA estimates the water level was as high as 60′ in some places.
Further assessments will be done as the water level recedes and waters clear.