Corps continues controlled water releases following heavy rainfall, emphasizes public safety near dams

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Nashville District continues to actively manage water releases following significant rainfall across the Cumberland River Basin this past weekend.

While precipitation has moved out of the region, ongoing reservoir operations are critical to maintaining dam safety and regulating river stages throughout the region.

The seven-day precipitation forecast anticipates less than half an inch system-wide. While snow has fallen in many areas of the region, it is not anticipated to add a significant amount of water to the system. USACE water management efforts remain focused on regulating outflows from key reservoirs and drawing flood control reservoirs back to their seasonal elevation targets.

• Wolf Creek – Spillway releases are being increased today to bring the total project release to approximately 30,000 cfs. These increased releases are nearing levels that may impact River View Drive downstream of the dam, with tailwater elevations expected to reach around 564-565 feet.

CFS (Cubic Feet per Second) measures the volume of water flowing per second. One CFS = 7.5 gallons per second. 100,000 CFS can fill an Olympic-sized swimming pool in just three seconds.

As USACE continues to manage controlled water releases, dam safety remains a top priority. Increased outflows from reservoirs are necessary to regulate floodwaters and protect infrastructure. However, downstream communities should remain vigilant, as high river flows and fluctuating water levels can create hazardous conditions.

Boaters and the public are urged to exercise caution near dam releases and to heed all posted warnings. High flows and rapid water level changes can be dangerous, particularly near spillways and turbines.

The USACE Water Management team has transitioned from Level 2 – Extended Hours of Operation to Level 3 – Watch as system-wide conditions have improved.

The public can obtain news, updates and information from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Nashville District on the district’s website at https://www.lrd.usace.army.mil/About/Districts/Nashville-District/, on Facebook at www.facebook.com/nashvillecorps and on X (formerly Twitter) at www.x.com/nashvillecorps. Follow us on LinkedIn for the latest Nashville District employment and contracting opportunities at https://www.linkedin.com/company/u-s-army-corps-of-engineers-nashville-district.