Lakes levels in nearby lakes in the region, such as Douglas and Cherokee, remain lower than normal even as more rain has begun to fall in the region in recent weeks. TVA officials are warning that the situation will likely worsen as the summer continues.
Over a month ago, the Tennessee Valley Authority warned those planning to enjoy lakes and reservoirs this summer that low lake levels persisting throughout the region due to drought conditions could present hazards that are not normally seen due to shallower waters.
Douglas Lake remains about 10 feet below its normal levels, and a according to recent updates released by TVA the situation will likely not improve. Instead, it will likely worsen.
Even though May saw near normal rainfall totals in the Tennessee Valley region, runoff totals, which is what fills lakes and reservoirs, remain well below normal.
Out of about three inches of rainfall, only about a half inch of runoff made it into nearby lakes.
“Overall the situation hasn’t changed and won’t without significant rainfall. Recent rain brought us less than an inch of runoff across the system. That’s what fills the reservoirs,” TVA’s Scott Brooks said. “Douglas remains below summer elevations and isn’t likely to achieve summer pool without significant rainfall.”
Lake levels will likely continue to drift down as TVA works to ensure adequate supplies of drinking water remain in rivers below reservoirs, and that water quality in rivers does not dip.
“Now that we’re in June, the lakes aren’t quite as full as we’d like them to be, but we still have to release water to meet other needs. There’s 5 million people in the Tennessee River Valley that depend on this system for drinking water,” James Everett with TVA River Management said.
Several boat docks are likely to remain on dry land throughout the summer on local lakes, more shoreline will be visible and more hazards will be closer to the surface. Those using TVA’s lakes for recreation are urged to exercise caution.
Those planning to head to a TVA lake this summer can view lake levels at TVA.com or by downloading the TVA Lake Info app on their smartphone.
