Assignment 5: Tank Hollow Falls Watershed Delineation

What a fun exercise. Though I am focusing on the Virginia portion of the Clinch River for the course, I decided to look more closely where one of my favorite waterfalls is located. Tank Hollow Falls is a beautiful "hidden" gem in the small community of Cleveland, VA. This micro-watershed is located in a fairly rural portion of Russell County. The next closest community is Lebanon though that community is not in the same micro-watershed.

The watershed is significant as it passes through the Cleveland Barrens. The Cleveland Barrens has a concentration of rare flora as a result of various dolomite outcrop found in the area. The stream that feeds the Tank Hollows Falls flows directly into the Clinch River.

Photo source: unknown contributor; Trip Advisor

The Tank Hollow Falls watershed spans approximately 1 square mile. In linear feet, the boundary is approximately 5 miles. The unnamed stream is the primary tributary though I am sure there are even small little creeks that feed into the primary stream. The following maps show the boundary of the Tank Hollow Falls micro-watershed as well as a couple aerials that show it from a different angle. The lowest point in the micro-watershed is 1,560 ft. and the highest point is 2,600 ft., with an overall change in elevation of 1,040 ft.

Special note: There is a railroad embankment at the northern most point of the micro-watershed. This embankment is quite significant and ultimately "expands" the watershed beyond its nature flow. Having been on site in person, there is a large culvert that passes some 20' below the railroad track elevation that allows the Tank Hollow Falls stream to pass and flow into the Clinch.

Tank Hollow Falls micro-watershed looking north toward Cleveland, VA

Tank Hollow Falls micro-watershed looking south toward Lebanon, VA (though on the other side of the far range; top of image)