Chickamauga Dam
Key Takeaway
Chickamauga Dam is classified as high hazard in Tennessee. It was completed in 1940 and is 86 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 | 129 ft (taller than 88% in TN) |
| Dam Length | 5,800 ft |
| Dam Type | Concrete |
| Max Storage | 737.3K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 622.5K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 36,050 acres |
| Drainage Area | 20,790 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 685,000 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1940 (86 years old) |
| NID ID | TN06504 |
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
Nearby Dams
W. R. Grace & Co.
Hamilton, TN
Low HazardSignal Mountain Cement
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Low HazardSalerno
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Low HazardBoston Branch
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Low HazardLake Lookout
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High HazardWindstone Lake
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Significant HazardSequoyah - Diffuser Pond
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Low Hazard 45 ftSequoyah - Yard Drainage Pond
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Low Hazard 25 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Chickamauga Dam?
Chickamauga Dam 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 Chickamauga Dam?
Chickamauga Dam is owned by TVA (Federal Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Chickamauga Dam built?
Chickamauga Dam 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.
What is the primary purpose of Chickamauga Dam?
Chickamauga Dam serves the following purposes: Flood Risk Reduction, Navigation, 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 Chickamauga Dam?
Chickamauga Dam has a dam height of 129 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 Chickamauga Dam last inspected?
Chickamauga Dam was last inspected on June 28, 2020. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.