Chickamauga Dam Construction

[JerDog]

Anyone have the inside scoop on what TVA is going to do below the dam with construction of the new lock?

How will generation be effected? Are they going to move water at all? Are they going to lower the river?

How will this effect the fish this summer if there is no current?

If you are like me, no current = me not fishing

 

[Bass Addict]

TVA will still generate under construction as far as the lake levels they probably wont raise it this summer. I work for a local concrete pumping company and we are trying to get that job. I get alot of hearsay from my people who talk to those people and you know how that goes. If I hear anything I will keep you posted.

 

[DoubleB]

From what I hear the lake is not going to be raised any more and may not be raised for another year or more...

 

[TennesseeTalker]

emoEek You mean to say .. my swimming hole is what it is .. and won't be changing for a year or so???? What I see today will be what it will be the rest of the summer???

Seriously?

TT

 

[churly]

You have to be kidding me!! Surely they are gonna raise the lake. Some of the flats and other dry ground will turn into grassy areas as some already are. TVA blows my mind! I will be surprised if they dont fill the lake in!

 

[Liveliner]

Hey, that may be the only way we are going to get grass flats back. Grow them on dry bays, grow a good stand of thick grass then fill it in next year.emoLaugh

 

[Fishin Fool]

They may not raise it as fast or as high but it will be pretty close to normal. It is about 679.3 right now and still rising. I've not heard a thing about not raising the lake this year. The folks with shallow docks would raise a ruckus if that were going to happen.

 

[DoubleB]

I should state that that is just a rumor I have heard... Not even from anyone that I would consider a "source" Just with it being the 16th and still down, I started to think it might have some truth to it.

 

[digitalcb]

This is from the Feb 2007 Tn River Neighbors newsletter:

http://www.tva.gov/river/neighbors/feb07/index.htm

When will my reservoir reach “full pool”?

TVA tries to fill tributary reservoirs to summer levels by Memorial Day weekend. Most main-river reservoirs are targeted to fill by mid-April. Watts Bar, Chickamauga, and Fort Loudoun Reservoirs are targeted to fill by mid-May to help reduce the risk of flooding at Chattanooga, Tennessee.


Additional info is included @

http://www.tva.gov/river/lakeinfo/systemwide.htm

"In May 2004, the TVA Board of Directors approved a new policy for operating the Tennessee River and reservoir system. This policy shifts the focus of TVA reservoir operations from achieving specific summer pool elevations on TVA-managed reservoirs to managing the flow of water through the river system."

Our current 50% deficit in year to date rainfall in the Chattanooga area ( -36% in Knoxville) have the potential to affect pool elevation schedules.

 

[Fuzzy]

For what it's worth, Watts Bar is about a foot or so from normal (using my uncalculated eye!). I know the neighborhood launch is usable now!

 

[JerDog]

The current drought might also have an effect for sure. I just don't know the logistics of building the new lock and what water levels will be needed to start the project. As far as what TVA has done in the past...I suspect that all bets are off while they work on the new lock.

 

[BadBass]

Here's the scoop folks.

Above the dam will not be affected for awhile. The lake should be brought up to full pool. The first phases of the project are underway, which is mussel relocation, and rock coring. A current diversion dike will be constructed from rip-rap at the 3rd R.R. pier. Keep in mind the new lock wall will extend past the RR bridge. Some new protection cells (barge cells) will be constructed around the RR piers.

After the intial phases are completed likely by June or July excavation in the river will begin. After excavation the cofferdam construction will begin. The cofferdam will be constructed simutanously in two phases segmental and cells. Some demolition of the existing lock wall will take place. The current contact is for the cofferdam construction only. The cofferdam is to be completed by June 2009. With the actual lock construction beginning afterward.
Tons of new fishing structure will be created; however, some limitations on access to the area may be implemented during critical times for safety issues.

See the corps of engineers nashville district website for photos and addtional

 

[DoubleB]

Looks like a one week closure of the lock with no effects to the water levels.

Lock FAQs

 

[DoubleB]

LOL.. I LOVE this question...

Will the lock be open during football season? The detailed schedule of closures is not complete and is still being worked at this time. All attempts will be made to minimize impacts to both industry and recreational users.

DO THEY NOT KNOW WHAT THIS WILL DO TO THE VOL NAVY?!?!

 

[BadBass]

The closure of the existing lock is due to maintanence issues. The existing lock is having several issues and will continue to have a annual maintanence period until the new lock is completed. The main reason for the construction of the new lock is due to what we call Alkili-Silca reaction (a.k.a concrete growth) This is due to a phenomea where the cement and the aggregate used to make the concrete has an chemical reaction. The product of this reaction is a white silica substance. For those who have fished near the dam look at the white powerdery substance on the concrete.