Bedford Lake
Key Takeaway
Bedford Lake is classified as high hazard in Tennessee. It was completed in 1940 and is 86 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 Length | 672 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 770 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 390 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 42 acres |
| Drainage Area | 3 sq mi |
| Year Completed | 1940 (86 years old) |
| NID ID | TN00304 |
Safety Information
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?
Ownership
TWRA
State Government
Nearby Dams
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Bedford Lake?
Bedford Lake 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 Bedford Lake?
Bedford Lake is owned by TWRA (State Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Bedford Lake built?
Bedford Lake was completed in 1940, making it 86 years old. Many U.S. dams were built between the 1930s and 1970s during a period of major infrastructure investment.
When was Bedford Lake last inspected?
Bedford Lake was last inspected on June 16, 2020. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.