SPILLING OVER-For the first time in 20 years the Dale Hollow Dam flood gates were opened Monday due to extremely high lake water levels.  Almost six inches of rain has fallen in the first 10 days of May, warranting the first spillway release since 1989 to counteract a four-foot elevation rise over the last week.  After seeing the lowest level in several decades five months ago (633.6), the lake has risen well over 20 feet to an elevation of 656 feet above sea level as of Monday morning, which is a full five feet above Dale Hollow’s summer pool.  (Staff photo by Kevin Donaldson) For a related stories click here or here.

A view from the "wing wall."

A view of the churning waters from the top of the dam.