The Melton Hill Dam is a hydroelectric dam on the Clinch River in Roane County, Tennessee, United States, owned and operated by the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA). Completed in 1963, the dam impounds the Clinch River to create Melton Hill Lake, and its primary purposes include hydroelectric power generation, maintaining a navigable channel, and providing recreational opportunities. It is a key component of the TVA's integrated resource management system in the Tennessee River Valley.
Location and Geography
Melton Hill Dam is situated at Clinch River Mile 23.1, approximately 10 miles (16 km) downstream from Oak Ridge, Tennessee, and 30 miles (48 km) west of Knoxville. It is the only TVA dam on the Clinch River that is equipped with a navigation lock, allowing barges to access the lower 38 miles (61 km) of the Clinch River and connect to the Tennessee River navigation system.
Construction and History
Construction of Melton Hill Dam began in 1960 and was completed in 1963. The dam was one of the last major dams constructed by the TVA. Its construction was part of a broader effort to provide additional power generation capacity and extend the navigable waterway system further up the Clinch River. The project involved significant excavation and concrete work, including the creation of a lock structure to facilitate river traffic.
Structure and Operations
Melton Hill Dam is a concrete gravity-type dam measuring 95 feet (29 m) high and 1,020 feet (310 m) long. Key features of the dam include:
- Powerhouse: Contains two generating units with a combined net dependable capacity of 72 megawatts (MW). These units provide electricity for the surrounding region.
- Navigation Lock: A significant feature, the lock is 75 feet (23 m) wide and 400 feet (120 m) long, providing a lift of 60 feet (18 m) for commercial barges and recreational boats. It connects the deep-water channel of the Tennessee River to the lower Clinch River.
- Spillway: Equipped with five radial gates to manage water levels and control floods.
Melton Hill Lake
The dam creates Melton Hill Lake, a reservoir that extends 56 miles (90 km) upstream on the Clinch River and 6 miles (9.7 km) up Beaver Creek. Characteristics of Melton Hill Lake:
- Surface Area: Approximately 5,470 acres (22 km²).
- Shoreline Length: About 173 miles (278 km).
- Full Pool Elevation: 795 feet (242 m) above sea level.
- Water Levels: Regulated by the TVA, with levels typically fluctuating only a few feet, making it a "run-of-the-river" lake designed for consistent navigation and recreation.
The lake is popular for various recreational activities, including fishing (known for striped bass, muskie, and crappie), boating, paddling, and swimming. Several public access areas, boat ramps, and parks are located along its shores.
Environmental Impact and Recreation
The construction of Melton Hill Dam transformed the lower Clinch River into a deep, slow-moving reservoir. While it impacted the natural riverine ecosystem, the lake has become a significant recreational asset and an important habitat for various fish species. The TVA manages the reservoir for multiple uses, balancing power generation with environmental stewardship, navigation, and public enjoyment.