Water Levels on Percy Priest Lake
No. It is not your imagination. Water levels at the lake are lower than usual. According to the U.S. Army Corps, Nashville District, due to lack of substantial rainfall in the past months, much of the Cumberland River Basin including the Stones River Watershed in the J. Percy Priest Lake’s elevation is approximately three feet below the top of summer pool. Given what they are calling “Moderate Drought category,” the lake may not reach its typical summer elevation (490 ft. above mean sea level).
We can and will and are still paddling, of course. And it is a good reminder of how our recreation is connected to the larger ecosystem. It just means we need to be more aware than usual about rocks close to the surface. For the safety our guests and our equipment, please:
- Use caution when bringing boards and boats in and out of the water. Our staff will help you with this.
- Drop to your knees before getting on or off a paddleboard.
- Wear flip flops or water shoes until you get to the edge of the water.
- Make sure you are in deep water before trying a trick off a board. .
If you have any questions regarding current lake levels or safety precautions, please contact the J. Percy Priest Lake Resource Manager’s Office at 615-889-1975.