Maintenance Work To Affect Level of Cherokee Reservoir
November 21, 2006
JEFFERSON CITY, Tenn. – TVA has begun lowering the level of Cherokee Reservoir to around 1,042 feet above sea level to permit routine maintenance on the spillway gates.
The spillway is a chute that can be opened when needed to release water through the dam.
TVA will hold the reservoir level near elevation 1,042 for about 10 weeks to complete the work. If heavy rainfall prevents TVA from maintaining the reservoir near elevation 1042 long enough to complete the project before this spring, the remaining work will be deferred until next winter to reduce impacts on summer recreation levels.
Winter levels in Cherokee Reservoir depend on the amount of rainfall and runoff, but the reservoir level normally ranges between elevation 1,042 and 1,045. Runoff is rainfall that drains into the reservoirs.
TVA is the nation’s largest public power provider and is completely self financed. TVA provides power to large industries and 158 power distributors that serve approximately 8.7 million consumers in seven southeastern states. TVA also manages the Tennessee River and its tributaries to provide multiple benefits, including flood damage reduction, navigation, water quality and recreation.
Media Contact
Barbara Martocci, Knoxville, (865) 632-8632
TVA News Bureau, Knoxville, (865) 632-6000
