Chatuge Dam - Saddle Dam No. 3
Key Takeaway
Chatuge Dam - Saddle Dam No. 3 is classified as high hazard in North Carolina. It was completed in 1942 and is 84 years old. Its primary use is flood risk reduction. 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 Height | 30 ft (taller than 52.4% in NC) |
| Dam Length | 320 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Year Completed | 1942 (84 years old) |
| Year Modified | 1986 |
| NID ID | NC05538 |
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
TVA
Federal Government
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Low Hazard 41 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Chatuge Dam - Saddle Dam No. 3?
Chatuge Dam - Saddle Dam No. 3 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 Chatuge Dam - Saddle Dam No. 3?
Chatuge Dam - Saddle Dam No. 3 is owned by TVA (Federal Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Chatuge Dam - Saddle Dam No. 3 built?
Chatuge Dam - Saddle Dam No. 3 was completed in 1942, making it 84 years old. Many U.S. dams were built between the 1930s and 1970s during a period of major infrastructure investment.
What is the primary purpose of Chatuge Dam - Saddle Dam No. 3?
Chatuge Dam - Saddle Dam No. 3 serves the following purposes: Flood Risk Reduction, Recreation, Hydroelectric, Water Supply. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Chatuge Dam - Saddle Dam No. 3?
Chatuge Dam - Saddle Dam No. 3 has a dam height of 30 ft. Dam height is measured from the natural streambed at the downstream toe to the top of the dam, and may differ from the visible height.
When was Chatuge Dam - Saddle Dam No. 3 last inspected?
Chatuge Dam - Saddle Dam No. 3 was last inspected on July 20, 2020. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.