Posted: 4/20/2025 11:49:56 PM EDT
[Last Edit: bodybagger][Edited]
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We've talked about this area before. There's world class fishing here and awesome floating but here's a reminder that you have to check the TVA power generation schedule at the dam. https://www.wsmv.com/2025/04/20/3-rescued-after-kayaks-overturn-caney-fork-river/?utm_source=taboola&utm_medium=organicclicks&tbref=hp BUFFALO VALLEY, Tenn. (WSMV) - Three kayakers were rescued after they overturned in the Caney Fork River, according to the Smith County Rescue Squad. SCRS said the incident happened when one of the kayakers overturned, and as the other two tried to help, they both overturned as well. Crews were dispatched to Happy Hollow at around 1:41 p.m. Saturday for a report of kayakers in the water hanging on to a tree. The kayakers had been in the water for about an hour by the time they were rescued. SCRS said the dam had at least two generators on, making the water very swift and fast-moving. Crews also did not know if the victims were wearing lifejackets, so they knew they needed to work quick and get to them as quick as possible. Rescue crews quickly launched a boat into the river and found three people hanging onto tree roots near the bank. SCRS said rescue personnel were able to tie the boat off below the three kayakers and get out of the boat and onto the bank to reach them. The three victims were wearing lifejackets, so crews were able to use ropes to move each person upstream to a low point were they could be safely removed from the water. When they were rescued and out of the water, SCRS said the kayakers had been in the water for about an hour and were very cold and weak. An ambulance was dispatched to the area to assess and treat the kayakers, but no one was transported. The kayaks were also later retrieved and returned to the owners. SCRS said this incident could have ended very differently if the kayakers had not been wearing lifejackets. “As kayak season is here, PLEASE REMEMBER TO WEAR THOSE LIFE JACKETS. Today tragedy was averted, because life jackets make a difference,” SCRS said. |
I think one of the major problems with America today is not enough families sit down to a big plate of squirrels momma just fried up.
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FYI, Center Hill dam is not a TVA dam. It is USACE (US Army Corps of Engineers) owned and operated dam. The schedule is published by TVA only as a courtesy and should be verified on the USACE website as it can and does change at times. The other thing to remember below ALL dams is that it takes time for the water to get to you and time for the water to fall out all varying due to the distance you are from the dam, it’s not instantaneous and varies due to how many generators come on, distance and bends in the river, etc. Only experience will give you this data for the most part, it’s not an exact science. |
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Originally Posted By rebel_rifle: FYI, Center Hill dam is not a TVA dam. It is USACE (US Army Corps of Engineers) owned and operated dam. The schedule is published by TVA only as a courtesy and should be verified on the USACE website as it can and does change at times. The other thing to remember below ALL dams is that it takes time for the water to get to you and time for the water to fall out all varying due to the distance you are from the dam, it’s not instantaneous and varies due to how many generators come on, distance and bends in the river, etc. Only experience will give you this data for the most part, it’s not an exact science. Great points! Years ago we were down on the gravel bar at Happy Hollow in our 4wd suburban and the water began to rise. I got the kids and gear together and pulled to the top of the hill and walked the kids back down the ramp to show the kids how fast that water cone up and floods that gravel bar. |
I think one of the major problems with America today is not enough families sit down to a big plate of squirrels momma just fried up.
| I have seen a huge uptick in kayakers on the local tailwaters as I wade fish them. Most of them have no idea as to generation schedules and what exactly happens to river levels and river flows. It’s a wonder more aren’t drowned or have to be rescued like the ones in the OP’s initial article. |