TVA is closing the Raccoon Mountain recreation area from Oct. 17-Nov. 21 to perform routine maintenance and safety inspections on the dam that holds the 700 million gallon reservoir.
Vehicle access to the recreation area will be closed near the Elder Mountain entrance. The TVA boat ramp and the adjacent parking area on Raccoon Mountain road will also be closed to the public. The area is needed to store equipment and heavy trucks for the worksite. Signs will be posted to alert the public. During the closure, boaters can use Sullivans boat ramp in Marion County.
A discoloration of the Nickajack reservoir water could occur when the Raccoon Mountain reservoir is drained. The discoloration is caused by sediment deposits draining from the reservoir. TVA will control water releases to minimize the duration and extent of the discoloration.
TVA reduces water levels in the Raccoon Mountain reservoir every five to seven years as part of its dam safety inspection program.
Once the maintenance activities are completed, the area will be reopened to the public.