Ripshin Lake

ROARING CREEK· Carter, Tennessee· Built 1946· Earth·
High Hazard Recreation Private

Key Takeaway

Ripshin Lake is classified as high hazard in Tennessee. It was completed in 1946 and is 80 years old. Its primary use is recreation. 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 Length360 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage911 acre-ft
Normal Storage456 acre-ft
Surface Area60 acres
Drainage Area4 sq mi
Year Completed1946 (80 years old)
NID IDTN01902

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 7, 2020
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: TENNESSEE SAFE DAMS PROGRAM

Ownership

RIPSHIN LAKE CORPORATION

Private

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Ripshin Lake?

Ripshin Lake 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 Ripshin Lake?

Ripshin Lake is owned by RIPSHIN LAKE CORPORATION (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Ripshin Lake built?

Ripshin Lake was completed in 1946, making it 80 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 Ripshin Lake?

Ripshin Lake serves the following purposes: Recreation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

When was Ripshin Lake last inspected?

Ripshin Lake was last inspected on July 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.