O'Donnell

BARNES BRANCH· Franklin, Tennessee· Built 1955· Earth·
High Hazard Fish And Wildlife Pond Recreation Water Supply Public Utility

Key Takeaway

O'Donnell is classified as high hazard in Tennessee. It was completed in 1955 and is 71 years old. Its primary use is fish and wildlife pond. 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 Length790 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage180 acre-ft
Normal Storage116 acre-ft
Surface Area21 acres
Drainage Area0 sq mi
Year Completed1955 (71 years old)
NID IDTN05104

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: Yes
Last Inspection: July 20, 2020
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: TENNESSEE SAFE DAMS PROGRAM

Ownership

SEWANEE UTILITY DISTRICT

Public Utility

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of O'Donnell?

O'Donnell 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 O'Donnell?

O'Donnell is owned by SEWANEE UTILITY DISTRICT (Public Utility). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was O'Donnell built?

O'Donnell was completed in 1955, making it 71 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 O'Donnell?

O'Donnell serves the following purposes: Fish And Wildlife Pond, Recreation, Water Supply. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

When was O'Donnell last inspected?

O'Donnell was last inspected on July 20, 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.