Otter

LOOSAHATCHIE RIVER· Shelby, Tennessee· Built 1954· Earth·
High Hazard Private

Key Takeaway

Otter is classified as high hazard in Tennessee. It was completed in 1954 and is 72 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 Length440 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage160 acre-ft
Normal Storage88 acre-ft
Surface Area15 acres
Drainage Area0 sq mi
Year Completed1954 (72 years old)
NID IDTN15702

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 27, 2020
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: TENNESSEE SAFE DAMS PROGRAM

Ownership

FOREST LAKES ASSOCIATION

Private

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Otter?

Otter 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 Otter?

Otter is owned by FOREST LAKES ASSOCIATION (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Otter built?

Otter was completed in 1954, making it 72 years old. Many U.S. dams were built between the 1930s and 1970s during a period of major infrastructure investment.

When was Otter last inspected?

Otter was last inspected on July 27, 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.