Wolf's Creek Dam in Kentucky

[Ebow1]

My dad and I where talking about survival stuff tonight and he brought this up. It's a heck of a longshot but when this thing goes Nashville is under 20 feet of water in 2 days. What do those of us who are Nashvillians do about something like that?

[UncleJak]

I've done some research on this and it seems no one is really prepared for a flood like the one that would occur. There are evacuation centers and warnings in place, but I really feel people aren't ready. The dam was designed improperly for the land type and even more disturbing is the fact that they will not lower water levels based on it being a "tourist attraction". Best thing I can say is when it goes, get to moving quick. Luckily there will be a bit of warning for those of us in Nashville.

[bubbadavis]

The Corps of Engineers published flood maps a couple of years ago. They show the predicted flooding based on the severity of dam failure. The maps show severe flooding downtown and all along the Cumberland.

I would suggest looking at the flood maps (the had them at the downtown library - they may be online now) and see if your area would be affected.

[charlessummers]

Are they still worried about this dam? I was hoping that they'd taken care if this by now as it seemed the issue, or at least the news reporting, went away. I know that a couple of years ago this was being talked about... but I haven't heard anything lately.

If it goes... my house is six foot under water within three days!

[UncleJak]

This is an ongoing issue...I don't think it can ever be repaired to 100% safe. All the ground in that area is karst and can give way at any time. The efforts in place now can certainly help, but the best idea would have been to build elsewhere.(A little too late for that)

[monkeylizard]

The worst part will probably be drinking water. With last May's floods, electricity was back up in a few days in most areas. Metro water's 2nd plant was just a few feet from being inundated like the 1st plant was. Wolf Creek breaking would take out both, so no water for a while. Metro gov't was pretty worried about that 2nd plant. Harpeth Valley Utility District is also going to go under. If Wolf Creek goes, spend those 2 days finding every container you can get your hands on that will hold drinking water and filling them up while the taps are still flowing.

Ironic.