When will the electronic spillway strobes lights and horns be activated?
Electronic spillway strobe lights and horns are activated before TVA starts the turbines that generate electricity at dams or releases water through spillways. When you see these strobe lights flash and the horns sound, leave the areas upstream and downstream of the dam immediately. During high-flow periods, the spillway at dams may be used to regulate upstream reservoirs. When water is being released through the spillways, the water below dams can be extremely turbulent and hazardous. Under certain flow conditions, boats can be drawn upstream toward the dam where water is plunging through a spillway. Never anchor your boat when fishing below a dam; leave your boat motor running even if drift fishing. Remember, release schedules can change without notice at any dam, so always pay close attention and obey these warning devices. The table below lists the types of warning devices installed at various dams throughout the Tennessee Valley.
