KY Lake Report 4/21-23

[Dave Stewart]

Here is the bottom line the way I see it reference Ky/Barkley lake levels later this week. The current water level at Ky Dam at 8:00 this morning is 358.66. The dam is currently spilling water at a rate of 188,799 cubic feet per second. The current projected water level for midnight Wednesday night is 356.06 with a spill rate at that time projected to be 170,000 cubic feet per second. That would mean the lake would be drawn down to 3 feet below summer pool (or 2 feet above winter pool) if the projection is correct. NORMALLY WE WOULD BE AT SUMMER POOL (359.00) on Wednesday.

Now, taking into consideration that the National Weather Service in Paducah issued a warning last night that residents along the Ohio River should start planning for possible "catastrophic" flooding by Wednesday. Record flood levels are forecasted along the Ohio River from Owensboro to Cairo, Illinois (where the Ohio joins the Mississippi) and could possibly exceed the famous flood of '37. The National Weather Service included in the statement that planning is already underway at the Federal Level if this record flooding does indeed occur which they say is more than possible.

Now, back to Ky Lake. Since all the water being released is adding to the flood waters on the Ohio between Paducah and Cairo, Il , and it is being projected that the lake is being drawn down to 3 feet below normal levels by Wednesday, it only makes sense to me that the TVA and Corps...actually the Corps takes over the flow of waters in these kind of circumstances....that they are expecting a tremendous amount of water to come into the lakes in the near future or they would otherwise not be adding so much water to the Ohio flood. No news here yet on projected lake levels after Wednesday...should be interesting.

Whatever happens, we need to keep a lot of folks in our prayers and for heavens sake, if you live along the Ohio River please keep abreast of flood warnings....this looks like it could very ugly soon.

[Bobby Headrick]

Dave in referance to water levels at Barkley remember that Lake Cumberland is 30ft over the working on the dam level and they have to get it back down, soon, they could be lowering both due to this influx also. Man is seems like every spring we have to fish the flood patterns. lol lol lol. Here on Barren and Rough/Nolin the parking lot patterns are starting to shine. They still not sure that Wolf Creek dam will hold, there has been reports that it has shook a couple times since these heavy rains. Is Cordel Hull and Old Hickory lake full also? Havent heard. Thanks

[Dave Stewart]

Bobby, not sure what the summer pool levels are on Old Hickory and Cordell Hull but Corps graphs definitely show both those lake levels are rising fast right now.

[Bobby Headrick]

Thanks Dave. They pulling C land hard and fast, I hope Barkley and Ky dont get blowed out this year.