tva.com · Official
Official TVA reservoir facts and shoreline context.
Dive Spot Guide•
South Holston Dam
South Holston Dam is a shore-access freshwater reservoir dive.
Freshwater shore dive in a reservoir setting with forested shoreline, simple access, and conditions that shift with water-level changes.
About South Holston Dam
South Holston Dam is a shore-access freshwater reservoir dive in the Cherokee National Forest, with a forested shoreline and a broad lake feel. It suits divers who want a simple shoreline entry, deeper water away from shore, and a fishy freshwater profile instead of reef structure. Plan around seasonal water-level swings, which can change shoreline access and nearshore comfort even when the lake looks calm.
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Research Estimate At South Holston Dam
Conservative baseline from public research. No community dives logged yet.
VisibilityVisibility: 5.5m
AccessModerate entry effort
Aquatic LifeGreat variety
FacilitiesBasic facilities
Where Is South Holston Dam?
This spotNearby spotsExplore nearby spots on the map
Community sourced coordinates.
South Holston Dam Planning Details
Depth range, seasonality, and planning context.
Reported Depth
30m - 40m
Depth Note
Maximum depth reported as 121–130 ft (30–40 m).
Best Season
Late spring through summer.
Typical Conditions
Average visibility is about 5-6 m, and winter drawdowns can drop lake levels enough to change shore access.
Safety & Access At South Holston Dam
Site conditions, restrictions, and access requirements.
Site Conditions
Low visibility
Safety Notes
Seasonal drawdowns can significantly lower water levels and change shoreline access and conditions.
Access Restrictions
Shore entry depends on water level and access point conditions.
Legal Notes
Use caution near the dam and follow release warnings and posted safety rules.
Local Intel For South Holston Dam
Community notes to help plan your visit.
Scuba Diving
Freshwater scuba diving with depths reported up to about 30–40 m.
Freediving
Not a strong freedive option because the site is deep and average visibility is modest.
Snorkeling
Not a dedicated snorkel site.
Wildlife at South Holston Dam
Species commonly reported at this site, with direct links into their wildlife guides.
Recent Logged Visits At South Holston Dam
Community dive logs and visit reports for this site.
Dive Spot Log Averages At South Holston Dam
Average conditions based on logged dives & visits.
Conditions
Avg. Visibility5.5m
Activity
No dive activity logged yet.
