Lake Elaine

COLEMAN RAY BRANCH· Bedford, Tennessee· Built 1945· Earth·
High Hazard Private

Key Takeaway

Lake Elaine is classified as high hazard in Tennessee. It was completed in 1945 and is 81 years old. 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 Length555 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage350 acre-ft
Normal Storage200 acre-ft
Surface Area29 acres
Drainage Area1 sq mi
Year Completed1945 (81 years old)
NID IDTN00302

Safety Information

High Hazard

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?

Emergency Action Plan: No
Last Inspection: January 7, 2020
State Regulated: No

Ownership

LEDBETTER, JOHN D.

Private

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Lake Elaine?

Lake Elaine 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 Lake Elaine?

Lake Elaine is owned by LEDBETTER, JOHN D. (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Lake Elaine built?

Lake Elaine was completed in 1945, making it 81 years old. Many U.S. dams were built between the 1930s and 1970s during a period of major infrastructure investment.

When was Lake Elaine last inspected?

Lake Elaine was last inspected on January 7, 2020. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.

Data from the National Inventory of Dams (NID) maintained by the US Army Corps of Engineers. Dam conditions may have changed since the last update. This site is not affiliated with USACE. Do not use for emergency planning — contact your local dam safety program.