Sycamore Dam
Key Takeaway
Sycamore Dam is classified as significant hazard in Tennessee. It was completed in 1965 and is 61 years old. Its primary use is flood risk reduction. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.
Physical Details
| Dam Height | 27 ft (taller than 41.3% in TN) |
| Dam Length | 980 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 2.8K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 2.0K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 224 acres |
| Drainage Area | 3 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 2,466 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1965 (61 years old) |
| NID ID | TN07707 |
Safety Information
No probable loss of human life, but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, or disruption of lifeline facilities.
Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?
Ownership
TVA
Federal Government
Nearby Dams
Pine Dam
Henderson, TN
Significant Hazard 39 ftLost Creek Dam
Henderson, TN
Significant Hazard 18 ftHopkins
Henderson, TN
Low HazardDorris
Henderson, TN
Low HazardDuck
Henderson, TN
Low HazardBeech Dam
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High Hazard 44 ftBerry
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Low HazardCedar Dam
Henderson, TN
High Hazard 27 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Sycamore Dam?
Sycamore Dam is classified as Significant Hazard. No probable loss of human life, but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, or disruption of lifeline facilities. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.
Who owns and operates Sycamore Dam?
Sycamore Dam is owned by TVA (Federal Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Sycamore Dam built?
Sycamore Dam was completed in 1965, making it 61 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 Sycamore Dam?
Sycamore Dam serves the following purposes: Flood Risk Reduction, Irrigation, Recreation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Sycamore Dam?
Sycamore Dam has a dam height of 27 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 Sycamore Dam last inspected?
Sycamore Dam was last inspected on February 23, 2021. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.