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Water Management Report for Cumberland River Basin
Center Hill
As of 7 August 2007 the Center Hill headwater was 636.6 ft. Modified fill restrictions are in effect at Center Hill due to dam integrity concerns. The project is currently producing very little power and is operating near the bottom of the power marketing band. This means that the project was not filled completely in the spring and started with limited water in storage, though not as limited as Lake Cumberland. Center Hill Dam ranks very high on the Corps' list of problem dams needing repair. Major rehabilitation of the dam to remedy seepage is scheduled to begin within the next year.
For most of the warm season, pulsed generation of one unit has been the norm and this appears to be maintaining the cold water fishery in the tailwater. Fortunately, Center Hill Lake experienced the same very cold over winter conditions that cooled the other deep storage projects. This combined with the dry spring allowed the Corps to retain a large quantity of high quality, cold water. Dissolved oxygen levels in the turbine discharge are holding in the acceptable range (>6.00 ppm) longer than in many recent years. The present discharge regime is likely to continue, with only minor modifications, until concerns over low DO in the tailwater require a major change.
The Caney Fork River downstream from Center Hill Dam is a popular destination for fly fishermen. Corps water management has maintained the cold water fishery while providing flows for downstream users on the Cumberland River.
The Caney Fork River empties into the Cumberland River just four miles downstream from Cordell Hull Dam. Cold, well oxygenated water from the Caney Fork helps to improve the quality of the upper end of Old Hickory Lake. The pulsing operation also provides support for continued operation of the Gallatin Fossil Plant. Barring large scale weather events such as a very large rain event (i.e. hurricane or tropical storm/depression), operations at Center Hill to meet downstream needs seems doable given available water.
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Know what the major Cumberland River pollutant is? Well, it is the DIRT and
the other "stuff" from our yards, our roofs and our driveways that runs off
every time we have a good rain.
If we all kept our dirt in our own yards, the river would be a lot healthier
and safer for everyone.
Visit the Sediment page to learn more about Muddy Waters and what YOU can do
to keep your dirt at home.
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©Cumberland River Compact 2007. All rights reserved. Although every effort has been made to present comprehensive information, The Cumberland River Compact is not responsible for and expressly disclaims all liability for negligence and damages of any kind, whether direct, indirect, or consequential, arising out of use, reference, to or reliance on this site. Published statements do not necessarily reflect the opinion of The Cumberland River Compact. Products and services that are mentioned or advertised within this site do not carry any kind of endorsement by The Cumberland River Compact.
Background image ©John Guider.
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