Lake Lookout Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Lake Lookout, located in Chattanooga, Tennessee, is a private earth dam with a hydraulic height of 15 feet and a structural height of 23 feet.


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Summary

Completed in 1800, this reservoir has a storage capacity of 151 acre-feet and a surface area of 9 acres, serving as a tributary to the Tennessee River. The dam poses a high hazard potential and has not been rated for its condition.

Despite its age, Lake Lookout remains a vital water resource for the surrounding area, with a drainage area of 0.26 square miles and a normal storage capacity of 46 acre-feet. While the dam does not have an outlet gate, its spillway is uncontrolled, with a width of 0 feet. The reservoir's risk assessment indicates a moderate level of risk, emphasizing the need for ongoing monitoring and potential risk management measures to ensure the safety of nearby communities.

As water resource and climate enthusiasts, the unique features and historical significance of Lake Lookout make it a compelling site for further study and exploration. With its proximity to the Tennessee River and its role in local water management, this reservoir offers a valuable opportunity to examine the intersection of natural resources, infrastructure, and environmental risk in a dynamic and evolving landscape.

Year Completed

1800

Dam Length

700

River Or Stream

TRIBTENNESSEE RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

9

Hydraulic Height

15

Drainage Area

0.26

Nid Storage

151

Structural Height

23

Outlet Gates

None

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

23
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

Dam Data Reference

Condition Assessment

Satisfactory
No existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. Acceptable performance is expected under all loading conditions (static, hydrologic, seismic) in accordance with the minimum applicable state or federal regulatory criteria or tolerable risk guidelines.
Fair
No existing dam safety deficiencies are recognized for normal operating conditions. Rare or extreme hydrologic and/or seismic events may result in a dam safety deficiency. Risk may be in the range to take further action. Note: Rare or extreme event is defined by the regulatory agency based on their minimum
Poor A dam safety deficiency is recognized for normal operating conditions which may realistically occur. Remedial action is necessary. POOR may also be used when uncertainties exist as to critical analysis parameters which identify a potential dam safety deficiency. Investigations and studies are necessary.
Unsatisfactory
A dam safety deficiency is recognized that requires immediate or emergency remedial action for problem resolution.
Not Rated
The dam has not been inspected, is not under state or federal jurisdiction, or has been inspected but, for whatever reason, has not been rated.
Not Available
Dams for which the condition assessment is restricted to approved government users.

Hazard Potential Classification

High
Dams assigned the high hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation will probably cause loss of human life.
Significant
Dams assigned the significant hazard potential classification are those dams where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life but can cause economic loss, environment damage, disruption of lifeline facilities, or impact other concerns. Significant hazard potential classification dams are often located in predominantly rural or agricultural areas but could be in areas with population and significant infrastructure.
Low
Dams assigned the low hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life and low economic and/or environmental losses. Losses are principally limited to the owner's property.
Undetermined
Dams for which a downstream hazard potential has not been designated or is not provided.
Not Available
Dams for which the downstream hazard potential is restricted to approved government users.