Lot of problems effecting the release of Dale Hollow Waters. Ky and Barkley are both at record levels and the two of them dump into the already swollen Mississippi River only a few miles thru the dam. They both fill from the south to the north and with all the rain the Western TN received and the floods they are battling will have to get this water north thru the dam as well. Then you have to get Cumberland Dam back down to 680 for fear of the dam breaking. They can't release the water too quickly for it will only add to the already flooded lakes and area but can't hold the dam at a bit over 700 either for fear of the dam breaking and sending 30 feet high water all the way to Nashville. This will keep Dale backed up as well since the Obey meets the cumberland river only a mile or so down stream from the Dale Hollow Dam. Throw in Laurel is a bit high and dumps into Cumberland, which dumps into the cumberland river, dale hollow dumps into the cumberland river, the cumberland river makes up Barkley and it dumps into the mississippi. It will be a while before lake levels are back to normal but I don't think it will be several months. My guess is with no heavy rains, 2nd week of June back to normal levels.



Reply With Quote