Douglas Dam
Key Takeaway
Douglas Dam is classified as high hazard in Tennessee. It was completed in 1943 and is 83 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 | 141 ft (taller than 89.3% in TN) |
| Dam Length | 1,705 ft |
| Dam Type | Concrete |
| Max Storage | 1.6M acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 1.2M acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 28,070 acres |
| Drainage Area | 4,541 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 422,000 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1943 (83 years old) |
| Year Modified | 1987 |
| NID ID | TN15501 |
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
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Douglas Dam?
Douglas 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 Douglas Dam?
Douglas Dam is owned by TVA (Federal Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Douglas Dam built?
Douglas Dam was completed in 1943, making it 83 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 Douglas Dam?
Douglas 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 Douglas Dam?
Douglas Dam has a dam height of 141 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 Douglas Dam last inspected?
Douglas Dam was last inspected on February 13, 2020. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.