The Tennessee Valley Authority announced Wednesday that they will be opening the spillway of the Nolichucky Dam to continue repair work of damage from Hurricane Helene.
Spokesperson Tom Satkowiak said that the spillway will remain open for around two weeks, weather pending. That will allow the water in the Davy Crockett Lake to drop around 4-5 feet. The opening of the spillway on the Greeneville side of the dam, stops water from flowing over the face of the dam. The spillway had been inoperable for several years until being repaired in 2019.
At the peak of flow, the Nolichucky was pouring twice as much water over the dam every second as Niagra Falls. The powerhouse, built in 1913, was torn down in early October. Work has continued along both shorelines, including the parking area which was washed away, and the embankment on the right side that saw the most turbulent water flow.
