Bays Mountain

DOLAN BRANCH· Sullivan, Tennessee· Built 1915· Masonry·
High Hazard Local Government

Key Takeaway

Bays Mountain is classified as high hazard in Tennessee. It was completed in 1915 and is 111 years old. High hazard means loss of life is likely if the dam fails — it does not indicate the dam's current condition. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Length530 ft
Dam TypeMasonry
Max Storage550 acre-ft
Normal Storage469 acre-ft
Surface Area36 acres
Drainage Area2 sq mi
Year Completed1915 (111 years old)
NID IDTN16301

Safety Information

High Hazard

Loss of human life is likely if the dam fails.

Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?

Emergency Action Plan: Yes
Last Inspection: May 12, 2020
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: TENNESSEE SAFE DAMS PROGRAM

Ownership

CITY OF KINGSPORT

Local Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Bays Mountain?

Bays Mountain is classified as High Hazard. Loss of human life is likely if the dam fails. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.

Who owns and operates Bays Mountain?

Bays Mountain is owned by CITY OF KINGSPORT (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Bays Mountain built?

Bays Mountain was completed in 1915, making it 111 years old. Many U.S. dams were built between the 1930s and 1970s during a period of major infrastructure investment.

When was Bays Mountain last inspected?

Bays Mountain was last inspected on May 12, 2020. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.

Data from the National Inventory of Dams (NID) maintained by the US Army Corps of Engineers. Dam conditions may have changed since the last update. This site is not affiliated with USACE. Do not use for emergency planning — contact your local dam safety program.