Due to the current lake level of 1680’ the Cable decoration scheduled for May 17 has been postponed. Present access is confined to the mouth of the cove and folks would have to travel over at least 100 yards of steep rocky terrain littered with loose rocks, then another 200 yards of steep slick clay bank before moderately leveling out into a muddy, boggy lake bottom, which would also include crossing one small branch before getting to the normal access area around ½-mile away. “Even if we could get there, there would be greater difficulties in getting food and coolers to the picnic tables,” said Henry Chambers.
“There is currently a little over 1,200 CFS of water entering the lake, however, TVA is releasing over 2,500 CFS in generating power and releasing water to help with downstream navigation. We do not expect the lake to be any higher than 1682’ by next Sunday. The minimum lake level to safely get through the rocky area would need to be around 1690.”
The Cable decoration will now take place on July 19, before the Fairview decoration.
Folks who want to go to Cable, please be at Cable Cove by 8:30 – 9 a.m. for the first two boats which will go to Cable. The boat will leave Cable at 11 a.m. and go to Fairview for decorating Fairview Cemetery, having lunch, and going on to Nelms and Cook cemeteries.
“Our Association will go to Paynetown and Orr after Cable Branch on August 2nd to save an additional trip,” said Chambers. “Regardless of lake levels we do not anticipate any issues in accessing Pilkey Creek, Hazel Creek, or Cable Branch as all have adequate gentle slopes that should provide for safe access.”
Chambers said that while he understands these changes may create inconveniences, safety of participants in the decorations is a primary concern.
“I would rather participants be safe than suffering falls and injuries or damaging the boat trying to beach on the rocks,” said Chambers.