TVA says that lake levels are below normal due to drought

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- TVA says that those planning to enjoy our lakes this summer should prepare for them to be lower than normal.

This is because of the drought the Tennessee Valley finds itself in, as the National Weather Service says that we are in a severe to extreme drought.

Chickamauga Lake as an example is running roughly 5-10 feet below normal, while reservoirs further up stream are lower than that.

TVA says they’ve been holding back water since February as it became clear we would enter a dry weather pattern.

The Senior Forecaster at TVA’s River Forecast Center, Darrell Guinn, says while all recreational activities can still be enjoyed as normal, there are some things they want people to be aware of out on the lakes.

Guinn said, “So we just want caution voters out there to be aware that you might have sandbars or shoals that they might be they’re not used to seeing it at this time of year. Be careful of those stumps and similar things out in the shallower waters.”

TVA has updated water levels of each of their lakes on their website.