On September 27th, communities near Newport, Tennessee, faced unexpected chaos when a false alarm about a “catastrophic” dam failure at the Waterville Dam, also known as the Walters Dam, triggered widespread evacuations. While officials initially reacted to reports of a potential disaster, it was later confirmed by Duke Energy, the dam’s operator, that there had been no dam failure. This event highlights the importance of understanding the location and function of infrastructure like the Waterville Dam, especially in areas prone to flooding.
Locating the Waterville Dam on the Pigeon River
The Waterville Dam, or Walters Dam, is situated on the Pigeon River in Cocke County, Tennessee. More specifically, it’s located upstream from Newport, a city that bore the brunt of the evacuation orders. Owned and operated by Duke Energy, this dam plays a crucial role in managing the flow of the Pigeon River. For those seeking the precise location, it’s helpful to know it’s positioned in a somewhat remote area along the Pigeon River before it reaches Newport. The dam’s function is to control water flow, and during the incident, Duke Energy confirmed that all gates were open and operating as expected to manage the water levels.
The Day of Confusion: False Dam Failure Alarm and Newport Evacuation
Around 3 p.m. on September 27th, alarm bells started ringing in Cocke County. Reports circulated about a “catastrophic failure” at a North Carolina dam, initially misinterpreted as the Waterville Dam. This misinformation prompted Cocke County officials to issue immediate evacuation orders for downtown Newport. The urgency was palpable, with Sheriff CJ Ball noting the rapid water rise and the need for swift action. Even though the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency (TEMA) clarified around 4:40 p.m. that Duke Energy confirmed no dam failure, the initial alarm had already set in motion significant emergency responses.
The Real Threat: Dangerous Flooding in Newport
Despite the false alarm about the Waterville Dam itself failing, the danger of flooding was very real. Heavy rainfall led to the Pigeon River surging to unprecedented levels. In Newport, the river reached a gauge height of 27.13 feet, smashing the previous record of 23.4 feet. This rapid water level increase, rising approximately 22 feet in just 16 hours, caused widespread flooding and displacement. Emergency services were stretched thin conducting water rescues, and the Newport Community Center was opened to shelter those evacuated. The National Weather Service in Morristown confirmed at 4:45 p.m. that the imminent dam failure threat was over but emphasized that major flooding continued, urging residents to heed local evacuation orders and avoid flooded roads.
Rivers Reaching Record Highs and Emergency Response
The Pigeon River wasn’t the only waterway affected. The French Broad River at Newport was also experiencing severe flooding, reaching nearly 19 feet by 3:45 p.m. and expected to climb further. The combined effect of these swollen rivers led to significant disruptions. Interstate 40 East was closed in Cocke County due to the Pigeon River threatening to overflow onto the highway. The Cocke County Jail was evacuated, relocating inmates to Jefferson County Jail as a precaution. The flooding was attributed to runoff from the Smoky Mountains, highlighting the region’s vulnerability to rapid water level increases after heavy rainfall.
Conclusion: Understanding Dam Locations and Flood Risks
The incident on September 27th served as a stark reminder of the potential for both misinformation and real danger during weather-related events. While the alarm about the Waterville Dam failing was false, the subsequent flooding demonstrated the power of nature and the importance of preparedness. Knowing where critical infrastructure like the Waterville Dam is located, understanding its role in river management, and staying informed about flood risks are crucial for community safety in areas like Cocke County and Newport, Tennessee. It’s vital for residents to rely on official sources for information during emergencies and to heed evacuation orders when issued, as the threat of flooding can be very real, even when initial reports are inaccurate.
