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Preliminary Models Relating Lake Level Gate Operation and Discharge at Reelfoot Lake in Tennessee and Kentucky

Open-File Report 2022-1073
Prepared in cooperation with the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency
By: , , and 
https://doi.org/10.3133/ofr20221073

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Abstract

Preliminary models for gate operations at the new outlet control structure for Reelfoot Lake were developed by the U.S. Geological Survey, using calibrated ratings of the lift gates, to support the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in managing lake level. In 2018, the old structure at the outlet of Reelfoot Lake was buried and lake level control was transferred to a new structure. The transition from lake-level management of the old control structure to the new control structure was documented using historical lake level and discharge measurements and records of stop-log management from March 7, 2013, to August 12, 2018. Discharge into Running Reelfoot Bayou was determined using a standard stage-discharge rating curve. Discharge measured using an acoustic Doppler current profiler was used to calibrate gate-discharge equations for free and submerged orifice flow at the new structure.

Two lake operation models, one for the summer season and another for the winter season, are provided for the new structure based on data from this period. The summer operation model is based on operation of the gates once the lake level exceeds an elevation of 282.7 feet (ft) above the North American Vertical Datum of 1988 (NAVD 88). Free flow begins when lake level reaches 282.3 ft above NAVD 88 and becomes transitional once the lake level exceeds 282.8 ft above NAVD 88. Submerged flow begins once the lake level reaches 283 ft above NAVD 88 and the tail-water depth is above critical flow depth. The winter operation model is based on operation of the gates once the lake level exceeds 283.2 ft above NAVD 88. Submerged flow begins when the lake rises to an elevation of 283.5 ft above NAVD 88 and the tail-water depth is above critical flow depth.

Suggested Citation

Heal, E.N., Diehl, T.H., and Garrett, J.W., 2022, Preliminary models relating lake level gate operation and discharge at Reelfoot Lake in Tennessee and Kentucky: U.S. Geological Survey Open-File Report 2022–1073, 27 p., https://doi.org/10.3133/ofr20221073.

ISSN: 2331-1258 (online)

Study Area

Table of Contents

  • Acknowledgments
  • Abstract
  • Introduction
  • Methods
  • Hydrologic Analyses
  • Conclusions
  • References Cited
Publication type Report
Publication Subtype USGS Numbered Series
Title Preliminary models relating lake level gate operation and discharge at Reelfoot Lake in Tennessee and Kentucky
Series title Open-File Report
Series number 2022-1073
DOI 10.3133/ofr20221073
Year Published 2022
Language English
Publisher U.S. Geological Survey
Publisher location Reston VA
Contributing office(s) Lower Mississippi-Gulf Water Science Center
Description Report: vii, 27 p.; Data Release; Database
Country United States
State Kentucky, Tennessee
Other Geospatial Reelfoot Lake
Online Only (Y/N) Y
Google Analytic Metrics Metrics page
Additional publication details