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Steer Clear of Dam Dangers

Be aware that #WaterWins when you’re around a dam, powerhouse or lock. Learn how TVA communicates dam dangers to you.

WARNING! Water release schedules often change without notice due to weather and power system requirements. Large amounts of water could be released at any time. Caution is needed. Your safety depends on obeying all posted safety regulations and precautions!

Dams can release a large amount of water with little warning at any time and by any means. For example, when the demand for electricity is high, the turbines at a dam activate, resulting in a significant increase in water downstream in a matter of seconds.

More water creates a deeper river with stronger currents. Even a few inches of fast-moving water can knock you off your feet. The water can rise quickly, hiding potential dangers under the surface.

Releasing water through the sluiceways—outlets at the base of the dam—can also create a swell of water downstream.

During flood operations, spillway gates across the dam can be opened to release upstream flood water that needs to pass to the next downstream reservoir. Upstream or downstream, even the most experienced boater with the strongest motor is no match for this strong flow of water plunging over a spillway of a dam. The recirculating current can pull a powerful boat far upstream toward plunging water that could shred any boat.

And dams equipped with navigation locks create turbulent water, as well. When vessels pass through, strong flow is released near the exhaust ports of the wing wall of the lock.

Warning Systems at Dams

To warn reservoir users of potential danger, TVA has installed the following warning devices: 

Horns

Horns are sounded before water is released from the powerhouses, sluiceway or spillways. When you hear these horns, leave the areas upstream and downstream of the dam immediately.

Warning Signs

Signs direct visitors to stay clear of hazardous areas and warn of rapidly rising water and sudden spillway and turbine water surges. Take them seriously—obey all warnings!

Strobe Lights

Strobe lights are activated before the hydro plant begins generating electricity at the powerhouse or releases water through the spillway or sluiceway. When you see these strobe lights flash, leave the areas upstream and downstream of the dam immediately.

Electronic Spillway Signs

These warning devices include strobe lights and horns. They are activated before the plant begins generating electricity at the powerhouse and/or water is released through the spillway or sluiceway. When you see or hear these warnings, move away at once.

The following table shows the types of warning devices installed at various dams throughout the Tennessee Valley.

Lake Horns Strobe Lights Warning Signs Electronic Signs with
Horns + Strobe Lights
Apalachia X X X  
Blue Ridge X X X  
Boone     X  
Chatuge     X  
Chickamauga X X X X
Cherokee X X X  
Douglas X X X  
Fontana     X  
Fort Loudoun X X X X
Fort Patrick Henry X X X  
Great Falls x X X  
Guntersville X X X X
Hiwassee     X  
Kentucky X X X X
Melton Hill X X X  
Nickajack X X X X
Norris X X X  
Nottely     X  
Ocoee 1 X X X  
Ocoee 2     X  
Ocoee 3 X X X  
Ocoee Whitewater Center X X X  
Pickwick X X X X
South Holston X X X  
Tellico     X  
Tims Ford X X X  
Watauga X X X  
Watts Bar X X X X
Wheeler X X X  
Wilbur X X X  
Wilson X X X X