UC Lakes Drawn Down To Winter Pool Levels

Water levels of two main Upper Cumberland lakes may seem down to the general public, but the Army Corp of Engineers intentionally lowers water levels this time of year.

Water Management Hydraulic Engineer Robert Dillingham said Dale Hollow and Center Hill Lakes typically fill in the spring and are brought down to a winter pool.

“They’re basically right where we want them to be,” Dillingham said. “It’s an intentional draw down. Those projects are very critical for flood control and mitigating flooding damages. We draw them down this time of year to create more storage in the lake for the upcoming wet season.”

Dillingham said having water stored is important for the dry season happening right now. Dillingham said the lakes keep the Cumberland River flowing which is critical for commercial navigation and clean energy.

“Without this water in storage, the river system, Cumberland River, would be near dry,” Dillingham said. “Commercial navigation would cease to exist, which provides a very critical component and economical way to move goods and services.”

Dillingham said the lakes are 13 to 18 feet lower compared to the summer peak. Dillingham said the water levels are near the historic median measured over 75 years for this time of year.

Dillingham said the Dale Hollow Lake is at about 638 feet and Center Hill Lake is about 630 feet. Dillingham said the lake levels are measured hourly.