Elk River Dam
Key Takeaway
Elk River Dam is classified as high hazard in Tennessee. 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 | 82 ft (taller than 76% in TN) |
| Dam Length | 2,943 ft |
| Dam Type | Concrete |
| Max Storage | 101.8K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 77.9K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 3,910 acres |
| Drainage Area | 263 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 101,000 cfs |
| NID ID | TN05101 |
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
USAF AFMC
Federal Government
Nearby Dams
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Elk River Dam?
Elk River 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 Elk River Dam?
Elk River Dam is owned by USAF AFMC (Federal Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
What is the primary purpose of Elk River Dam?
Elk River Dam serves the following purposes: Flood Risk Reduction, Recreation, Water Supply. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Elk River Dam?
Elk River Dam has a dam height of 82 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 Elk River Dam last inspected?
Elk River Dam was last inspected on March 2, 2022. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.