Tn. & Cum. River Systems (NOT GOOD)

[Wiskers]

Y'all might wanta read this E-mail that I just got from our Operation Folks at the Barge Co. Don't look good!

This is a “HEADS-UP” email and more detailed information will be released within the next 10 days.

TVA and Corps personnel just had a teleconference to discuss the developing low water conditions on the Cumberland and Tennessee Rivers. After the May 2010 historical record flooding and May 2011 high water event, 2012 has not provided even the minimum rainfall in the TN and Cumberland watersheds to guarantee that Barkley and Kentucky will reach normal summer pool levels (EL 359.0). Lake levels throughout both systems are below normal levels with tributary projects unable to reach their summer reserve storage levels. Weather forecasts over the next several weeks fail to provide any hope of rain systems large enough to relieve the shortage. Add to this the regulated requirements for minimum releases at the dams (most critically Kentucky Dam) that exceed the inflows into the respective lakes and we are presented with a situation where lake levels are going to be difficult if not impossible to maintain at their current levels.

TVA and the Corps are working to develop a plan to maintain the maximum water levels possible. But without significant rainfall events over the next several weeks, this will be a losing battle. Shippers should prepare to see 2012 summer lake levels equal to normal winter pool levels and “averaged” releases from the dams to be close to regulated minimals. As mentioned above, the exact plan of action is being studied and details will be released soon. This is evolving situation and, as always, your patience and cooperation is appreciated.


Ray Bess
Navigation Branch
615-736-7799
"Opera Non Verba"

[M R Dux]

Low water, low flows and hot weather means fishing is probably going to stink. Doesn't bode well for the spawn success either.

[M R Dux]

Probably be great for boat repair places. Anybody know a stock tip on a propeller company?

[tubejig]

Low flows and low water are a negative for fishermen, but the stable water levels this spring will be a plus for crappie and bass spawns.

[wmac62]

I think their excuses are a bunch of smoking mirrors and BS, The Corp is being sued by Nashville, so their knee jerk reaction:Fine we won't put no water in the lakes.

[smashdn]

Doesn't bode well for the spawn success either.

Why do you say that?

Would be an excellent time to plant some cypress trees in the backs of bays. In 10 years you will have more excellent shallow cover in the form of trunks and knees.

[BIGBADDAD]

Article about Barkley level.
http://www.westkentuckystar.com/News...ter-Level.aspx

[Buckie02]

I think their excuses are a bunch of smoking mirrors and BS, The Corp is being sued by Nashville, so their knee jerk reaction:Fine we won't put no water in the lakes.

The water does not come from the Corps, it comes from the sky.

[M R Dux]

Why do you say that?

Would be an excellent time to plant some cypress trees in the backs of bays. In 10 years you will have more excellent shallow cover in the form of trunks and knees.

I was referring to THIS years spawn.

The fry need cover to stay away from most predators. Right now there is zero cover around the banks for the fry unless they stack up in blow-downs. Next years spawn might be historic if we get weeds, aquatic grass and woody cover growing along the exposed banks that would normally be covered at summer pool.

Come on down and plant some cypress. KY F&W or some other group tried this back 20 or so years ago and I would say their success rate was well below 25% and I seriously doubt that many of those that survived are helping crappie fishing.

[Wiskers]

I think their excuses are a bunch of smoking mirrors and BS, The Corp is being sued by Nashville, so their knee jerk reaction:Fine we won't put no water in the lakes.

TVA controls the TN river system, not the COE. I'm a river pilot & I can tell ya there isn't any water to run.