Raccoon Mountain Dam
Key Takeaway
Raccoon Mountain Dam is classified as high hazard in Tennessee. It was completed in 1978 and is 48 years old. Its primary use is hydroelectric. 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 | 230 ft (taller than 94.7% in TN) |
| Dam Length | 8,500 ft |
| Dam Type | Rockfill |
| Max Storage | 36.3K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 2.2K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 528 acres |
| Drainage Area | 1 sq mi |
| Year Completed | 1978 (48 years old) |
| NID ID | TN11501 |
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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Low HazardFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Raccoon Mountain Dam?
Raccoon Mountain 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 Raccoon Mountain Dam?
Raccoon Mountain Dam is owned by TVA (Federal Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Raccoon Mountain Dam built?
Raccoon Mountain Dam was completed in 1978, making it 48 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 Raccoon Mountain Dam?
Raccoon Mountain Dam serves the following purposes: Hydroelectric. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Raccoon Mountain Dam?
Raccoon Mountain Dam has a dam height of 230 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 Raccoon Mountain Dam last inspected?
Raccoon Mountain Dam was last inspected on August 10, 2020. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.