Conflicting Reports Emerge on Waterville Dam Condition Amid Severe Flooding in Tennessee

The Tennessee Emergency Management Agency (TEMA) has refuted claims that the Waterville Dam, also known as Walters Dam, has experienced a catastrophic failure. This statement comes after an earlier declaration made by Cocke County Mayor Rob Mathis, who announced the dam’s alleged collapse on social media.

In a Facebook post, Mayor Mathis stated, “THE WATERVILLE DAM HAS SUFFERED A CATASTROPHIC FAILURE,” further urging residents to “EVACUATE ALL OF DOWNTOWN NEWPORT IMMEDIATELY.” Despite the denial of a structural failure by both TEMA and Duke Energy, the operator of the dam, the evacuation orders remain in place as a safety precaution.

The emergency situation arises amidst heavy rainfall attributed to the remnants of Hurricane Helene, which has caused significant flooding throughout Cocke County, particularly affecting areas alongside the Pigeon River and the French Broad River. According to the United States Geological Survey, the rivers have seen dramatic rises, with the Pigeon River at 20.57 feet and the French Broad River just under 17 feet by midday.

Duke Energy has confirmed that all floodgates at the Waterville Dam are open and functioning as expected, despite the high water levels. The company emphasized the historical extent of rainfall in the region over the past 48 hours and warned residents in the vicinity of lakes and rivers to remain cautious and informed, adhering to guidelines from local emergency management.

The Army Corps of Engineers classifies Walters Dam as having a “high” potential for hazard, a factor that has likely contributed to the serious response to Mayor Mathis’s initial warning. Nevertheless, Mathis and TEMA continue to stand by the evacuation measures as Cocke County continues to grapple with the emergency.

Governor Bill Lee has addressed the severe weather conditions affecting eastern Tennessee due to Hurricane Helene, urging adherence to local safety instructions. In response to the crisis, emergency shelters have been established, including one at the Newport Community Center and another at Liberty Church in Cosby.

The severe weather has impacted several states along the storm’s path, with power outages and structural disruptions reported across Florida, Georgia, and the Carolinas, among others. The National Hurricane Center positioned the eye of Hurricane Helene over eastern Tennessee as of Friday.

According to the Associated Press, at least 35 fatalities have been attributed to the storm across four states. As the storm advances, meteorologists have issued more evacuation warnings, such as for residents near the Lake Lure Dam in North Carolina, who face potential dam failure risks.