Fort Loudoun Dam
Key Takeaway
Fort Loudoun 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 | 87 ft (taller than 80% in TN) |
| Dam Length | 4,190 ft |
| Dam Type | Concrete |
| Max Storage | 475.9K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 362.9K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 14,000 acres |
| Drainage Area | 9,550 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 495,000 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1943 (83 years old) |
| NID ID | TN10501 |
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
Tellico Dam
Loudon, TN
High Hazard 95 ftThompson Lake
Loudon, TN
Significant HazardMelton Hill Dam
Loudon, TN
High Hazard 60 ftBream Hole Lake
Loudon, TN
Low HazardHammontree
Loudon, TN
Significant HazardD.O.E. Oak Ridge White Oak Dam
Roane, TN
Significant HazardRoy White
Loudon, TN
High HazardFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Fort Loudoun Dam?
Fort Loudoun 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 Fort Loudoun Dam?
Fort Loudoun Dam is owned by TVA (Federal Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Fort Loudoun Dam built?
Fort Loudoun 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 Fort Loudoun Dam?
Fort Loudoun 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 Fort Loudoun Dam?
Fort Loudoun Dam has a dam height of 87 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 Fort Loudoun Dam last inspected?
Fort Loudoun Dam was last inspected on March 4, 2021. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.