Chatuge spillway repair timeline gets minor update

On Friday, TVA Dam Safety Project Manager Chris Saucier said that the first drawdown will be no earlier than August 2028, and if not then, it will be August 2029 because the project is scheduled around the drawdowns.

“The process to get started has been extended some by including the minimum flow pipe in project,” said Adam May, a TVA spokesperson. “It will not extend the time it takes to complete the project or the length of the drawdowns.

“Even when we previously said we could potentially start in fall of ’27, we said that was not exactly likely. Again, the whole project is scheduled around the drawdowns.”

Regarding the addition of a “minimum flow pipe” during spillway construction, May was referencing a TVA announcement from April.

“While a study continues on addressing concerns with the spillway at Chatuge Dam, the Tennessee Valley Authority is also looking at ways to incorporate improvements to the dam during the construction period,” TVA said this spring.

Continuing, “As previously noted, the dam safety study is due to concerns about the spillway at Chatuge. If a large volume of water flows quickly over the spillway during an extreme rainfall event, that water could lift the concrete slabs.

“Once a slab is lifted, the ground is exposed to the force of the water, which could erode the spillway all the way back until it breaches the reservoir. Breaching means a failure of the dam to hold back the water.

“As part of the study, TVA has been looking at the benefits of incorporating a permanent minimum flow pipe at Chatuge Dam as part of the spillway safety modification project.

“This additional analysis and planning work has adjusted our schedule for completing the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), which is now expected in Fall/Winter 2026.

“However, we do not anticipate that adding the minimum flow pipe will delay the overall project length for the spillway safety modification project.”

So, what is a “minimum flow pipe?”

“A minimum flow pipe uses gravity to pull water from the reservoir and release it downstream without the need for pumps,” TVA said. “Once installed, it will not affect the reservoir’s ability to refill. In fact, the minimum flow pipe provides several long-term benefits, including:

“Operational Flexibility – Allows TVA to more effectively plan for turbine outages and maintenance activities, contributing to improved grid stability.

“Improved River Management – Supports reliable downstream minimum flows that enhance water supply and promote healthy aquatic habitat.

“We continue to anticipate no more than two drawdowns of the reservoir during the off-season winter months to complete all of the work – that has not changed.”

Lowering Lake Chatuge will be necessary prior to construction to ensure the reservoir can still provide flood control with the spillway temporarily out of commission for repairs, and to ensure the safety of everyone working at the project site.

TVA made the spillway project known in March 2025, presenting four construction options that featured upper-bound drawdown estimates ranging from four to eight consecutive years of record-low levels.

From the beginning, TVA has said that drawdown timeline estimates were likely to be revised downward as the project progresses, which is what happened late last summer following an outcry from area residents and business owners over potentially yearslong drawdowns.

The lake will still need to be drained to 1,908 feet, or 10 feet below normal winter pool, but TVA officially revised its alternatives last year to place construction – and therefore drawdowns – outside of the busy summer tourist season, as Chatuge is a major driver of the area economy.

Construction is planned to take place over two off-season drawdowns in winter/fall, which could occur in two consecutive years or in two non-consecutive years, wherein the two off-season drawdowns are separated by an off-season in which a drawdown is not required.

People can find more information on the spillway project at tva.com/Chatuge.

After construction begins, how quickly the lake rebounds from the drawdowns for the resumption of normal summer water activities depends entirely on the weather, according to TVA.

For example, the prolonged drought the area is experiencing, though improving, has Lake Chatuge down about 2 feet below the lower expected range for normal summer pool. Lake Nottely here in Union County is similarly down due to drought.

“TVA relies on January-May rainfall and subsequent runoff to get to summer pool each year,” TVA said. “This year, the Tennessee Valley region is experiencing widespread drought, and these conditions have been intensifying week over week.

“In fact, January-May 2026 saw the fourth lowest runoff total in the 152-year period of record for the eastern Valley region.

“As a result, TVA’s River Management team has been conservative, releasing minimal water through the system to meet minimum flow commitments and downstream demands.”

While TVA does what it can to conserve lake levels amid ongoing drought and unseasonably warm temperatures, the federally owned corporation urges people to continue enjoying the water while prioritizing safety.

“With low water levels, boaters are encouraged to exercise extra caution and use sonar, if available, to look out for rocks, stumps, debris, sandbars and other hazards that are typically underwater,” TVA said. “This is especially important for anyone who is navigating a watercraft on an unfamiliar reservoir.

“Boaters are urged to always have a float plan and share it with someone on shore. This includes their trip itinerary, operator and passenger information, boat type and registration, and communication equipment on board.”