Walland Weir Dam EarthCache

Welcome to the Weir Dam on the Little River in Walland, TN.

WARNING: Even though you are visiting a site that is wheel-chair accessible, you are still near flowing water. Please observe all safety notices and warnings that are posted in the area.

Welcome to an earthcache. As an earthcache, there is no container or log to sign. Please be sure to comply with the few simple requirements listed below when you claim your find. At this earthcache you will see that a weir (rhymes with pier) is a small overflow-type dam used to maintain a minimum water level of a river or stream . When a river has plenty of water flow, a weir might actually be under the river surface and it serves little purpose. It’s when the river flow subsides that a Weir becomes invaluable.

Weirs are used to create slow pools of water that provide dependable habitat for fish, especially trout. The enhanced water flow also provides more habitat for aquatic macro-invertebrates, such as which are the primary foods for trout. This weir retains water from the Little River. The Little River receives it’s water from rainfall and groundwater originating in the Great Smoky Mountains. When there is insufficient rain and groundwater, the Little River could dry up, and the aquatic wildlife would die. Thanks to the weir, a reserve supply of water is maintained for the inhabitants of the river.

In addition to the enhanced water flow, there is another benefit from the Weir. When water spills over the top of the weir, the water is aerated and the Dissolved Oxygen (DO) level of the water increases. Remember that even though fish live under water, they still need oxygen to survive, and water with inadequate oxygen content cannot sustain fish. In addition to improved water quality, the weir also helps maintain a water level to support rafting and tubing activities upstream.

To get credit for this Earthcache you must complete the following requirements. Failure to complete these few simple requirements will result in your log being deleted without notice.

(Optional) Feel free to attach a photo of you, a bird, a leaping fish, or any other object that you find interesting (with the weir in the background) if you like.

PLEASE SEND AN EMAIL TO LOSTNSPACE AND ANSWER THE FOLLOWING TO THE BEST OF YOUR ABILITY:

1) What is the height difference between the upstream and downstream side of the weir (How tall is the weir?)
A. 10 feet; B. 2 feet; C. 25 feet; D. 3 metres;

2) What is the elevation at the weir?
A. 902 ft. B. 802 ft. C. 1,100 ft.

3) There is a Danger Sign approximately ~50 yards upstream from the weir. What are the two words immediately below “Danger”?
A. No Trespassing; B. Overfall Spillway; C. Dangerous Waters;

Remember, please answer to the best of your ability. As long as you do your best, we will gladly accept that.

Please, do not answer these questions as part of your log entry for your visit, even if encrypted. Any log entry with the answers will be deleted. (Extra credit) What safety precaution should you take if you venture onto the Weir?