Watauga Dam
Key Takeaway
Watauga Dam is classified as high hazard in Tennessee. It was completed in 1948 and is 78 years old. Its primary use is flood risk reduction. 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 | 332 ft (taller than 98.7% in TN) |
| Dam Length | 900 ft |
| Dam Type | Rockfill |
| Max Storage | 751.6K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 569.1K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 6,440 acres |
| Drainage Area | 468 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 54,000 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1948 (78 years old) |
| NID ID | TN01903 |
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
Nearby Dams
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Watauga Dam?
Watauga 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 Watauga Dam?
Watauga Dam is owned by TVA (Federal Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Watauga Dam built?
Watauga Dam was completed in 1948, making it 78 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 Watauga Dam?
Watauga Dam serves the following purposes: Flood Risk Reduction, Recreation, Hydroelectric, Water Supply. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Watauga Dam?
Watauga Dam has a dam height of 332 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 Watauga Dam last inspected?
Watauga Dam was last inspected on March 26, 2020. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.