Cherokee Lake

Cherokee Lake. Also known as Cherokee Reservoir, it is a major impoundment of the Holston River located in East Tennessee. Created by the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), the reservoir serves multiple purposes including flood control, hydroelectric power generation, and public recreation. It is a prominent feature in the Jefferson, Grainger, Hamblen, and Hawkins county region.

Geography and Hydrology

The reservoir is situated along a significant stretch of the Holston River, one of the principal tributaries forming the Tennessee River. Its waters fill the deep valleys of the Ridge-and-Valley Appalachians, creating a highly irregular shoreline that extends into several counties. Major tributary arms include those from the French Broad River system via the Holston River's course. The lake's surface elevation is carefully managed by the Tennessee Valley Authority as part of an integrated system that includes downstream impoundments like Douglas Lake and Watts Bar Lake. The underlying geology features formations of limestone and dolomite common to the Valley and Ridge province, which influences water quality and aquatic habitats.

History and Construction

The lake was created following the completion of Cherokee Dam, a project authorized under the broader mission of the Tennessee Valley Authority established during the New Deal. Construction on the dam began in 1940 and was completed in 1942, with impoundment of the reservoir occurring during World War II. The primary purposes were to provide vital hydroelectric power for wartime industries, such as those at Oak Ridge, and to improve flood control along the Tennessee River system. The project required the acquisition of land and the relocation of communities, cemeteries, and infrastructure, a process managed by the TVA. Historical sites, including early settlements from the period of the State of Franklin, were inundated by the rising waters.

Ecology and Wildlife

The reservoir and its surrounding watershed support diverse ecosystems, including extensive hardwood forests and aquatic habitats. Common fish species include largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, crappie, catfish, and striped bass, making it a regionally important fishery managed by the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency. The area provides habitat for various wildlife such as white-tailed deer, wild turkey, and numerous migratory waterfowl along the Mississippi Flyway. Water quality is monitored by the Tennessee Valley Authority, with concerns typical of Southeastern reservoirs, including nutrient loading and the management of aquatic vegetation. Terrestrial protected areas near the lake include parts of the Cherokee National Forest.

Recreation and Tourism

The lake is a major hub for outdoor recreation, managed through a system of public access points and parks operated by the Tennessee Valley Authority, the Tennessee State Park system, and local counties. Popular activities include boating, fishing tournaments, water skiing, and camping at facilities like Panther Creek State Park. Marinas and resorts around communities such as Morristown and Bean Station cater to visitors. Annual events, including fishing competitions and festivals, are hosted by local organizations like the Morristown Area Chamber of Commerce. The reservoir's proximity to attractions like the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Historic Rugby enhances its role in regional tourism.

Dam and Reservoir Management

Cherokee Dam is a concrete gravity dam and hydroelectric power facility operated by the Tennessee Valley Authority. The dam's powerhouse contains generating units that contribute electricity to the TVA power grid, which serves portions of Tennessee and surrounding states. Reservoir operations are coordinated with other TVA dams on the Holston River, French Broad River, and Tennessee River to optimize power production, maintain navigational flows, and provide flood storage. Water release schedules and lake levels are publicly communicated, significantly impacting downstream conditions on the Holston River and Watts Bar Lake. The management plan balances these operational requirements with environmental considerations and recreational use throughout the year.

Category:Reservoirs in Tennessee Category:Tennessee Valley Authority dams Category:Buildings and structures in Jefferson County, Tennessee