Posted May 30, 2002
On Thursday, May 23rd, Kentucky Lake reached 365.4' (mean sea level), the highest level in about a decade. Kentucky Lake's normal summer pool level is 359', while winter pool level is 354'. The excess water closed portions of several campgrounds, flooded boat launching areas, and gave marinas a big headache.
The high waters of both Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley did not do much damage, however. This is because TVA has set in place restrictions on shoreline usage and will not allow any permanent structures below a certain sea level. When the Tennessee River was impounded by Kentucky Dam to form the mammoth Kentucky Lake, the primary function of the reservoir was flood control. Therefore, TVA could raise Kentucky Lake as high as 375 feet above sea level if the lower rivers (Tennessee, Ohio, & Mississippi) were severely flooded. At 375, the major roadways and most permanent structures still will not be flooded.
However, at 365.4' the elevation of Kentucky Lake on May 23rd was very noticeable.
 Water Trap: The Kenlake Golf Course was affected by Kentucky Lake's high waters. |
 Fenton lake Access |
 Hematite Lake was significantly flooded and closed to the public |
 Just a few more inches and Lake Barkley would have covered this stretch of Energy lake road. A small portion was covered with water. |
