One question I have gotten a lot lately is why the water level of Lake Hiwassee in Murphy NC is 30 or more feet low. It makes it incredibly difficult to show lake front property at times like these, unfortunately, it is what it is.

 

I have heard speculation and confirmed it with several people close to the source (wow - I sound like a reporter!) that there is good reason it is so low. The Hiwassee Dam itself is very unique in the fact that it is capable of reversing the flow of the lake itself and pumping water back into the lake. Apparently, it drains water during the day to produce power. Then at night, it reverses the flow and pumps water back into the lake. As I found out, the dam’s mechanism that reverses the flow is in fact broken! According to sources, It’s due to be repaired sometime in October. It makes it difficult because lake front property doesn’t look the same as usual!

Check the current level in this picture taken two days ago:

This picture was taken on one of the bridges on Joe Brown Highway. Many of the boat docks are totally unusable and marinas are closed. To add insult to injury, the TVA is also using the water from the Hiwassee to keep the Tennessee River flow up for transportation purposes.

On a positive note, hope for rain and next year will be better! Find the Normal rainfall in Murphy NC. Now’s a great time to be looking at lake property because some sellers might be anxious to move…. hmmm… food for thought!

JohnP@remax.net - www.MyMurphy.com - John Michael Poltrock - REMAX Mountain Properties - Murphy North Carolina, NC - (877) 837-3002 - Real Estate