Water Management Situation Report for Cumberland River Basin Reservoir System and Associated Waterways
Dale Hollow - Fall 2009
Dale Hollow Lake was filled in the spring by the same major runoff-producing rain events that impacted Lake Cumberland. Unlike 2007 and 2008, Dale Hollow did not have to serve as the main supplier of dependable flow in the Cumberland River due to the abundance of water available from Lake Cumberland and Center Hill. As at Lake Cumberland, the input of warm, relatively enriched water did seem to result in slightly poorer water quality in the lake but overall the effects were not extreme. Dissolved oxygen levels in the turbine discharge did fall below the 6 mg/l level by early August. Adverse consequences for water quality were avoided through activation of available aeration mechanisms in the power plant which significantly boosted oxygen levels. Although it continued to decline as the season progressed, it did not reach truly problematic conditions and in late October recovered. Lake destratification is underway at Dale Hollow with the arrival of cool fall weather, however unlike at Lake Cumberland; sluices are not being used, so destratification will proceed more slowly.
Dale Hollow - Spring 2009
Dale Hollow Lake has been subject to the same weather driven events that have affected virtually all the Cumberland River Basin. The cold winter led to destratification by late December 2008. The wet weather enabled the Corps to easily fill Dale Hollow by late March 2009. Rain producing events have kept Dale Hollow filled above summer pool to the present day. Although these high water levels will affect some of the early summer recreational users of the lake, Dale Hollow will again serve as a dependable source of water flows in the Cumberland River once the low flow, dry season gets underway.
A scenic view of the Obey River below Dale Hollow Dam in Clay County, Tennessee.
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.
