How The Cumberland River Reservoir System Works

Dale Hollow DamTypes of Reservoirs

Flood Risk Management Reservoirs: Wolf Creek, Dale Hollow, J. Percy Priest, Center Hill, and Barkley dams are all congressionally authorized to provide flood control. Typically larger and deeper than run-of-the-river lakes, these reservoirs have the ability to store large volumes of water after a heavy rainfall and then release it in a controlled manner once the threat of flooding downstream decreases.

 

 

Dale Hollow DamRun-of-the-River Lakes: Known as run-of-the-river projects, Cordell Hull, Old Hickory, and Cheatham lock and dams generally see little yearly pool fluctuation and lack the ability to store large volumes of water. The projects along the main stem of the Cumberland River are authorized by Congress to provide navigation and hydropower benefits.