Dry ‘Bama’s Not Alone…

Those of us living in Alabama aren’t the only folks wishing for rain. Check out these shots
I took around North Carolina’s Fontana Lake and Dam, over the weekend:

Although the water level in Fontana Reservior can vary by around 50 feet in a normal year,
the lake level here is 10 feet below winter normal pool. The lake and dam are maintained by
the Tennessee Valley Authority.

Boat docks throughout the eastern Tennessee Valley have had to shut down early due to
low water levels. At Fontana, four of five docks on the lake were forced to close early for
the season. A commissioner in Swain Co., NC, estimates the drought’s economic loss to Swain
and Graham counties at $1.5 million.

Drought aside, Fontana Lake, with its inviting blue water, is still pretty to look at!


A few quick facts about Fontana Dam:

…At 480 feet, it’s the highest concrete dam east of the Rocky Mountains … It stretches 2,385
feet across the Little Tennessee River … Construction started in 1942 and finished two years
later.

… And the 2,175 mile Appalachian Trail crosses here, as it heads north into the Great Smoky
Mountain National Park:

I have a new respect for the people who hike this trail!

Finally, I was pleased to discover that early December was not too late to see some beautiful
fall colors in the Smoky Mountains:

…and the sunrises and sunsets provided a spectacular viewing treat every day:

Hope you enjoy!

Category: Pre-November 2010 Posts