What is the history of Watauga Lake?
Watauga Lake, located east of Elizabethton, Tennessee, is the local name of the Watauga Reservoir created by the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) with the 1948 completion of the TVA Watauga Dam.
What is the name of the dam on Watauga Lake?
Watauga Lake. View from Watauga Dam looking across the lake toward Rat Branch Boat Landing. Watauga Lake, located east of Elizabethton, Tennessee, is the local name of the Watauga Reservoir created by the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) with the 1948 completion of the TVA Watauga Dam.
What are the specifications of Watauga Lake?
Specifications. At the TVA summertime water level target "full pool", the lake surface covers 6,430 acres (26 km²) and the estimated depth of Watauga Lake is 265 feet (81 m) at the dam. At full pool, Watauga's elevation is the highest of all TVA lakes at 1,959 feet (597 m) above sea level.
Is Watauga Lake the highest lake in Tennessee?
Started in 1942 and finally dammed on the last day of 1948, Watauga Lake is the TVA's highest-elevated reservoir in Tennessee. Surrounded by densely forested mountains in the "high country", Watauga Lake sits 1,959 feet above sea level at "full pool" (full summertime elevation).
When was Watauga Lake drained?
1983In 1983, TVA drained Watauga Lake to work on the dam. For a few weeks, the remains of old Butler were exposed again, and aged residents flocked back to inspect the remains of the town.
How old is Watauga Lake?
Started in 1942 and finally dammed on the last day of 1948, Watauga Lake is the TVA's highest-elevated reservoir in Tennessee. Surrounded by densely forested mountains in the "high country", Watauga Lake sits 1,959 feet above sea level at "full pool" (full summertime elevation).
How was Watauga Lake made?
History. Sitting at the confluence of the Watauga River, Elk River and Roan Creek, Watauga Lake was formed in 1948 when the Tennessee Valley Authority completed the Watauga Dam, which was built in an effort to control flooding in the Tennessee River watershed after the infamous flood of 1940.
Is Watauga Lake a clean lake?
Johnson County is situated on the north side of Watauga Lake, which is said to be the third cleanest lake in America. Most of the 110 miles of shoreline is protected from development greatly contributing to the lake being so clean. The lake offers water sports such as skiing, wave runners, sailboats and pontoon boats.
What is the deepest lake in TN?
Norris LakeNorris Lake (Tennessee)Norris LakeMax. width1.2 mi (1.9 km)Surface area53.875 sq mi (137 km2)Average depth75 ft (23 m)Max. depth210 ft (64 m)12 more rows
What is the deepest part of Cherokee Lake?
175′Cherokee Reservoir / Max depth
What does Watauga mean?
Many years prior to settlers, Cherokee Indians first settled in Watauga, meaning village of many springs. They were in search of the bountiful game, fertile fields, and clear spring waters.
Can you swim in Watauga Lake?
A large grassy area for picnicking or sunbathing, and designated lake swimming area along Watauga Lake, makes for a perfect summer retreat.
When did they flood Watauga Lake?
On December 1, 1948, the gates at Watauga Dam closed and the water that would form the reservoir began to rise, flooding the foundations that once made up the original town.
What's the cleanest lake in the US?
Crater LakeCrater Lake, Oregon Because Crater Lake isn't fed by any streams or rivers, scientists consider it to be the cleanest lake in the US and the entire world. It is also the clearest, with visibility up to 100 feet and sunlight pervading down some 400 feet.
What is the cleanest lake in Tennessee?
Norris LakeThe Clearest Lake In Tennessee, Norris Lake, Is Almost Too Beautiful To Be Real. Enjoying fishing, boating, swimming, hiking, and more at the most beautiful and clearest lake in Tennessee. It's one of the best local destinations for summer fun.
What states have the cleanest lakes?
Below, we've listed the 10 cleanest lakes in the United States to help you plan your next relaxing trip!Lake George, New York. ... Crater Lake, Oregon. ... Lake Michigan, Michigan, Illinois. ... Lake Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. ... Lake Tahoe, California/Nevada. ... Hanging Lake, Colorado. ... Flathead Lake, Montana. ... Newfound Lake, New Hampshire.
When was Cherokee lake built?
The lake is owned and operated by the Cherokee Water Company to supply water for municipal, industrial, and recreational purposes. Construction on the dam began in February 1948 and was completed on November 19, 1948.
Why was Watauga Dam built?
Watauga Dam is a hydroelectric and flood control dam on the Watauga River in Carter County, in the U.S. state of Tennessee. It is owned and operated by the Tennessee Valley Authority, which built the dam in the 1940s as part of efforts to control flooding in the Tennessee River watershed.
What does Watauga mean?
Many years prior to settlers, Cherokee Indians first settled in Watauga, meaning village of many springs. They were in search of the bountiful game, fertile fields, and clear spring waters.
How deep is Boone lake Tennessee?
With a maximum water depth of 129 feet and average depth of 44 feet, the lake is often busy with boaters, water skiers, swimmers and fishermen. Marinas can be found in many of the communities surrounding Boone Lake making it possible to boat from one town to the next.
When was the Watauga Dam completed?
Work on TVA Watauga Dam resumed in 1946, and finished at the end of 1948, impounding both the Watauga River and Elk River for the purposes of flood control, hydropower generation and downstream navigation on the Tennessee River and Reservoir system.
What county is Watauga Lake in?
Watauga Lake covers parts of Johnson and Carter Counties. Another much smaller nearby lake that is not part of the TVA system is the Ripshin Lake located 6 miles (10 km) SW of Roan Mountain.
How does the Little Wilbur Dam work?
the two structures in the water operate the gates that open to allow water to flow from the lake. Water flows through large pipes under the dam and makes its way to the first of two sets of turbines that generate electricity. The water then empties into the Little Wilbur reservoir. Since the water comes from the bottom of the lake, the water temperature stays around 40 degrees Fahrenheit year around. The water then passes through the second set of turbines found inside the Little Wilbur dam. Then the water empties into the Watauga River which flows into the city of Elizabethton
How tall is Watauga Lake?
Shore length1 104.9 mi (169 km) Surface elevation 1,959 ft (597 m) Watauga Lake, located southeast of Elizabethton, Tennessee, was created by the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) with the completion of the TVA Watauga Dam and Reservoir.
How long did it take for Watauga Lake to fill?
After completion, it took almost two years for the lake to fill with water.The Watauga Lake Dam is an earthen structure --. 331 feet high, 925 feet long, and 1275 feet thick at its base. The dam includes 350 million cubic yards of material. Building Watauga Lake incurred 10,274,559.
Where is the old Butler area?
A Photo of the "Old Butler" Area. The original town of Butler, Tennessee, now sits at the bottom of Watauga Lake. "New" Butler was relocated to higher ground above the summer pool edge of the TVA reservoir. Other nearby Tennessee cities and communities include Hampton, Elizabethton, Roan Mountain, and Mountain City.
Why was Watauga Lake built?
Watauga Lake is a man-made reservoir built by the TVA (Tennessee Valley Authority) for flood prevention, creation of aquatic habitat, and hydropower generation. Recreation and tourism have produced economic and quality-of-life benefits for Watauga's surrounding communities. The TVA began building the Watauga Dam on February 16, 1942. Construction was postponed on December 21, 1942 to divert funds to WWII-related efforts, then resumed again on July 22, 1946. The gates to Watauga Dam finally closed on December 31, 1948 -- and Watauga Lake was born.
What county is Watauga Lake in?
Watauga's surface covers 10.05 square miles of two mostly-rural Tennessee counties: Johnson County and Carter County . Watauga Lake is accessible only by winding mountain roads. The Appalachian Trail crosses the southwestern tip of Watauga Lake. The lake is located south of Mountain City (Tennessee), west of Boone (North Carolina), east of Elizabethton (Tennessee), southeast of Bristol (Tennessee), southwest of Damascus (Virginia), and northeast of Johnson City (Tennessee).
How tall is Watauga Lake Dam?
The Watauga Lake Dam is an earthen structure -- 331 feet high, 925 feet long, and 1275 feet thick at its base. The dam includes 350 million cubic yards of material. Building Watauga Lake incurred 10,274,559 man hours of labor. One man lost his life during Watauga's construction and 48 others were injured.
How long does it take to get to Watauga Lake?
This route is mountainous, very scenic, and includes many sharp turns. It should take you 40-50 minutes to reach Watauga Lake after you leave Boone NC. Johnson County Airport. If you fly a small plane, you can land it at General Aviation Airport 6A4, the Johnson County Airport in Mountain City, Tennessee.
What does "Watauga" mean?
However, there are several conjectured meanings of "Watauga" that you can find online: "beautiful waters", "clear waters", "whispering waters", "running waters", "falling waters", "foaming at the mouth", "village of many springs", "broken waters", "river of plenty", and more. Regardless of its true semantic origins, most visitors agree that Watauga Lake is all of the above.
Where is Watauga Lake?
Watauga Lake (map) is located in the northeast corner of Tennessee, 45 miles south of the Tennessee/Virginia border and 10 miles west of the Tennessee/North Carolina Border. The directions below will take you to the SR-67 bridge that crosses Watauga Lake.
When was the Elizabethton bridge built?
Elizabethton's Doe River Covered Bridge, built in 1882, is among the few covered bridges surviving in Tennessee. Picnic facilities are riverside, beside the ducks and the bridge. Bring your camera. Just off Hwy. 19E in Elizabethton TN, about 25 minutes by car. Phone: 423-547-3850.
What is Watauga Lake?
History of the Lake. The name Watauga is from the Native American word Wata’gi, which translates to beautiful waters. Brian Greer. Though you wouldn’t know by looking at it, Watauga Lake is actually a man-made reservoir with an interesting backstory.
Where is Watauga Lake in Tennessee?
This remote lake lies in two of Northeast Tennessee’s most rural counties— Johnson and Carter —making it a place where outdoor enthusiasts can escape city life and enjoy a host ...
What is the last step in planning a Watauga Lake getaway?
The last step in planning your Watauga Lake getaway is choosing your lodging, and you have two very different choices.
How to get outside in Watauga Lake?
Here are 10 ways to get outside in and around Watauga Lake. 1. Camp in Cherokee National Forest. As is noted above, the surrounding national forest offers several recreation areas for visitors to enjoy, including primitive campgrounds.
What kind of fish are in Watauga Lake?
With more than a dozen species of game fish including bass, trout, catfish, and bluegill, Watauga Lake is a destination for anglers. Fish from your own boat, a rented boat, or one of the many access points surrounding the lake.
How many miles of shoreline is Watauga Lake?
Over half of Watauga Lake’s 105 miles of shoreline are contained within Cherokee National Forest, which has allowed its banks to remain largely undeveloped and heavily forested. The national forest has also created several designated recreation areas around the lake, providing adventurers protected areas to fish, swim, and camp.
Where to hike Watauga Lake?
Venture onto the Appalachian Trail to the north or south from the Shook Branch area, explore the rugged trails within Pond Mountain Wilderness, or visit CR Doodle White Overlook Park.
Where is Watauga Lake in Tennessee?
Nestled in the Great Smoky Mountains, Watauga Lake is located near Elizabethtown, Tennessee. Nearby, you can find the Johnson County Airport, as well as the Johnson County Community Hospital. Residents can shop at the Pioneer Village Shopping Center, and enjoy the numerous local restaurants, including Monsoon Thai & Exotic Foods ...
What are the best things to do in Watauga Lake?
Aside from boating, you can do numerous water-based activities, including swimming, canoeing, kayaking, parasailing, and water skiing. Anglers can enjoy catching an abundance of freshwater fish, including Walleye, Black Crappie, and Smallmouth Bass.
What is the highest lake in Tennessee?
Created in 1948, Watauga Lake is the TVA's highest elevated reservoir in Tennessee. Located in the scenic Smokey Mountains, Watauga Lake covers Johnson and Carter counties. The lake has 105 miles of shoreline, covering 6,430 acres and a max depth of 265 feet.
Is Watauga Lake a good place to visit?
Watauga Lake offers a plethora of on and off-the-water experiences and is a great place to enjoy the wonders of lake life.
Does Watauga Lake have a beach?
Watauga Lake has a public beach available to use, as well as multiple picnic and camping areas.
Can you use a jet ski in Watauga Lake?
Watauga Lake Restrictions. Permit required to use lake: No. Jet Skis allowed: Yes. Motorized boats allowed: Yes. Boating restrictions: Yes -- Those less than 12 years old must have a supervisor on board who is at least 18 years old and able to take immediate control of the vessel.
When was Watauga Lake created?
As part of the TVA initiative, Watauga Lake was created in the 1940s. The original Butler was prone to flooding and the abundance of water in the area made it a great place for the dam. GhostLakes.Com.
Is Watauga Lake in East Tennessee?
Now Watauga Lake is one of the most beautiful, quiet and secluded spots in the state . It bolsters a darling East Tennessee community and edges the Appalachian Trail. It's only a few, the lucky few, that know the water they're puttering around in? Hides and entire town, deep beneath the surface.
When was Watauga Dam built?
Construction proceeded on May 22, 1946. Watauga Dam was completed and its gates opened December 1, 1948. The dam's first generator went online August 30, 1949, and the second went online September 29, 1949. The total cost of the Watauga project was just over $32 million.
What county is Watauga Lake in?
Watauga Lake stretches for 16.7 miles (26.9 km) along the river, nearly reaching the Tennessee- North Carolina state line, and includes parts of Carter County and Johnson Count y in Tennessee. Roan Creek, Cobb Creek, and the Elk River form substantial embayments along the reservoir.
What is the Watauga Dam?
Watauga Dam is a hydroelectric and flood control dam on the Watauga River in Carter County, in the U.S. state of Tennessee. It is owned and operated by the Tennessee Valley Authority, which built the dam in the 1940s as part of efforts to control flooding in the Tennessee River watershed. At 318 feet (97 m), Watauga is the second-highest dam in the TVA river and reservoir system (behind only Fontana ), and at the time of its completion was one of the highest earth-and-rock dams in the United States. The dam impounds the TVA Watauga Reservoir of 6,430 acres (2,600 ha), and its tailwaters feed into Wilbur Lake. The Appalachian Trail crosses the top of Watauga Dam.
How many kilowatts does Watauga Dam have?
Watauga Dam is an earth-and-rock dam 318 feet (97 m) high and 900 feet (270 m) long, and has a generating capacity of 57,600 kilowatts. The dam's fixed-crest morning glory spillway has a maximum discharge of 73,200 cubic feet per second (2,070 m 3 /s). Watauga Lake has 106 miles (171 km) of shoreline and a storage capacity of 677,000 acre⋅ft (835,000 dam 3 ), of which 152,829 acre⋅ft (188,512 dam 3) is reserved for flood control. The reservoir's operating levels vary by about 9 feet (2.7 m) in a typical year.
How many acres were built in Watauga Dam?
The construction of Watauga Dam and its reservoir required the purchase of 11,700 acres (47 km 2) of land, 1,663 acres (6.7 km 2) of which had to be cleared. 761 families, 1,281 graves, and 55 miles (89 km) of roads had to be relocated, and three new bridges were built.
Why did the Tennessee Valley Authority build a dam at Cardens Bluff?
In the early 1940s, the Tennessee Valley Authority— which had assumed oversight of flood control operations in the Tennessee River watershed in the previous decade, suggested a dam at the Cardens Bluff site to provide badly needed flood storage and help with the region's World War II energy demands.
When was Watauga Lake drained?
In 1983 , TVA drained Watauga Lake to work on the dam. For a few weeks, the remains of old Butler were exposed again, and aged residents flocked back to inspect the remains of the town. They found roads, stone walls, foundations and even the solid rock walls of an old shoe shop in the middle of town.
Where was the Watauga Dam built?
The location at which Watauga Dam was built (TVA photo) The Tennessee Valley Authority built a dam in Johnson County in the 1940s, permanently flooding the valley that included the small town of Butler and creating Watauga Lake. There is nothing unique about this. TVA and the Army Corps of Engineers built dams and flooded valleys all ...
When did TVA start building dams?
And I grew up here and had never even heard of this company!”. TVA first started building a dam on the Watauga River in 1942 but left the project half-finished during World War II. By the time it resumed work on the dam in 1946, many residents of Butler doubted that TVA would ever finish.
How many people were moved to the TVA lakes?
The remains of more than 20,000 people had to be moved to make way for TVA lakes. But over the years, I have found few photos that document the process of cemetery relocation, likely a reflection of the TVA propaganda machine. However, there are at least three photos at the Butler Museum that show people digging up old graves. They speak volumes about the grim, personal impact that such forced relocations had on long-term residents.
