Guntersville Dam
Key Takeaway
Guntersville Dam is classified as high hazard in Alabama. It was completed in 1939 and is 87 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 | 78 ft (taller than 97.2% in AL) |
| Dam Length | 3,979 ft |
| Dam Type | Concrete |
| Max Storage | 1.0M acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 1.0M acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 66,000 acres |
| Drainage Area | 24,450 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 650,000 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1939 (87 years old) |
| NID ID | AL09501 |
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 Guntersville Dam?
Guntersville 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 Guntersville Dam?
Guntersville Dam is owned by TVA (Federal Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Guntersville Dam built?
Guntersville Dam was completed in 1939, making it 87 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 Guntersville Dam?
Guntersville 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 Guntersville Dam?
Guntersville Dam has a dam height of 78 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 Guntersville Dam last inspected?
Guntersville Dam was last inspected on September 23, 2020. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.