Calderwood is a captivating hydroelectric dam located in Blount, Tennessee, along the picturesque Little Tennessee River.
Wind
Humidity
Built in 1930, this arch dam stands at an impressive height of 214 feet, with a structural height of 230 feet and a hydraulic height of 229.4 feet. Calderwood boasts a storage capacity of 43,500 acre-feet and a drainage area of 1,856 square miles, making it a vital water resource in the region.
Managed by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, Calderwood's spillway system includes controlled spillways with a width of 576 feet, ensuring the safety and efficiency of the dam's operations. With a maximum discharge capacity of 375,000 cubic feet per second, Calderwood is equipped to handle high volumes of water flow. While the dam's hazard potential is classified as high, its risk assessment remains at a very high level, highlighting the importance of rigorous monitoring and management practices to safeguard the surrounding community and environment.
Despite its age, Calderwood continues to play a crucial role in generating hydroelectric power and regulating water flow along the Little Tennessee River. As a significant infrastructure project with historical significance, Calderwood stands as a testament to the enduring importance of sustainable water resource management in the face of changing climates and growing energy demands.
Year Completed |
1930 |
Dam Length |
916 |
Dam Height |
214 |
River Or Stream |
Little Tennessee |
Primary Dam Type |
Arch |
Surface Area |
570 |
Hydraulic Height |
229.4 |
Drainage Area |
1856 |
Nid Storage |
43500 |
Structural Height |
230 |
Outlet Gates |
Other Controlled - 1, Vertical Lift - 24 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Rock |
Nid Height |
230 |
Cheoah River Nr Bearpen Gap Nr Tapoco
|
149cfs |
Tellico River At Tellico Plains
|
191cfs |
Little River Above Townsend
|
214cfs |
Little River Near Maryville
|
316cfs |
Little River Near Alcoa
|
378cfs |
Valley River At Tomotla
|
272cfs |
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Bear Creek Hunt Camp
|
||
95 Dalton Branch
|
||
14 Flint Gap
|
||
13 Sheep Pen Gap
|
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93 Twentymile Creek
|
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16 Scott Gap
|