Hiwassee Dam
Key Takeaway
Hiwassee Dam is classified as high hazard in North Carolina. 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 | 248 ft (taller than 97.1% in NC) |
| Dam Length | 1,376 ft |
| Dam Type | Concrete |
| Max Storage | 472.0K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 398.6K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 5,870 acres |
| Drainage Area | 968 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 149,000 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1940 (86 years old) |
| NID ID | NC00419 |
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
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High Hazard 150 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Hiwassee Dam?
Hiwassee 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 Hiwassee Dam?
Hiwassee Dam is owned by TVA (Federal Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Hiwassee Dam built?
Hiwassee 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 Hiwassee Dam?
Hiwassee Dam serves the following purposes: Flood Risk Reduction, Navigation, Recreation, Hydroelectric. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Hiwassee Dam?
Hiwassee Dam has a dam height of 248 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 Hiwassee Dam last inspected?
Hiwassee Dam was last inspected on March 10, 2020. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.