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I'm new to the area so don't really have a good idea how dam water releases affect the current and lake levels on Wheeler. At what flow as posted on the TVA web site can you expect high currents and high water? Just trying to get a handle on lake conditions before planning a fishing trip. Lot's of hassle getting my boat in and out of my small garage so want to make the best of it. In time experience on the water will be the key but I'm not there yet.
Thank you,
Bill
This is a tough one. So many factors play a part. Incoming water from creeks and Guntersville dam versus outgoing through Wheeler Dam sets the flow. But I did call to get today's information.
Water level below the Guntersville dam is 561.4 ft of seal level.
Water level above Wheeler Dam is 552.3 ft above sea level.
So the water level of Wheeler Lake varies 9 inches from one end to the other.
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I guess my concern was how difficult and hazardous it may be when the currents are high due to inflow and outflow increases. That's why I am trying to get an idea how the inflows and outflows on Wheeler equate to high currents. After a few years on the water I had an excellent idea what to expect on my home lakes in NE Oklahoma.
My home lakes in NE Oklahoma could be a real chore to navigate when inflows and outflows were high. In addition we had real problems with all the trash washing into the lakes after heavy rains. Very hazardous to navigate and really wasn't for the faint of heart. Many times I questioned my judgement by being on the lake in those conditions.
Bill
Need to take a look at the delta between inflow and outflow to determine what currents will be like. On the main lake not such a challenge as it is in the creeks.
Just did and the difference is 13,283 cubic feet per second.Quote:
Originally Posted by Bob D
Bill
I'd say that is a pretty good outflow delta, so expect strong currents in the creeks.
Yea I was thinking the same thing. I don't like fighting high currents in my deep vee boat.Quote:
Originally Posted by Bob D
Bill
So Friday says basically 60000 on each side does that mean a lot of current or almost none
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As I understand it when the outflow is considerably less than the inflow there should be minimal current. In your example they are even so what is coming in is going out. That would be high current if I understand it correctly.Quote:
Originally Posted by HuntNslabs
I'm just trying to get a general idea on this and not trying to over think it too much.
Bill
In that example with equal outflow and inflow, I would expect little current at 60K. I usually like about 52K to be fishing in the creeks.
I'll have to check the inflow and outflows regularly while on the water to better understand their relationship to current.
Bill
yea its a tricky thing to figure out. Wheeler level is measured at wheeler dam. Anything under 50,000 I consider good. Also if fishing east of the RR bridge in Decatur it is tricky when they are pulling a ton of water. All of that water has to go under the RR bridge with is pretty narrow considering the rivers width in some spots then the inflow from limestone and flint creeks. If it has came a big rain and they are pulling 100K plus you can expect Decatur area, flint, and limestone to be around 2 ft higher than what the app is saying wheeler is.
Took me a while but I had a good handle on it on my home lakes in Oklahoma. I knew what to expect before I launched the boat. All comes with experience.
Bill
Also depends if your fishing anywhere near the main river channel above Decater, High flow means high flow there.
LOL, let me try that again. High flow means high water levels above Decatur, especially above the entrance to Limestone Creek. I've seen the lake down three or four feet below Decatur, but the water four or five feet above full pool at Ditto when they're releasing 120,000 at Guntersville Dam. In a big boat you can look for fishable water. In a kayak you have to deal with what you have so I watch water water levels, flow and wind closely.
Look at release on the TVA website, then check this link for expected water heights. National Weather Service Advanced Hydrologic Prediction Service
You can down load the TVA water release page and it tells you everything. Right now the floodgates are open and the water is really moving the last time I looked it was 85000. My best luck has been anything 40000 or less.