Watauga Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Watauga Dam, located on the Watauga River in Carter, Tennessee, is a rockfill dam completed in 1948 by the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA).


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Summary

With a height of 332 feet and a storage capacity of 751,557 acre-feet, the dam serves multiple purposes including flood risk reduction, hydroelectric power generation, recreation, and water supply for the region. The dam's reservoir, Watauga Lake, covers an area of 6,440 acres and is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts.

The dam's spillway, with a width of 385 feet, is uncontrolled, and the outlet gates include slide gates, uncontrolled releases, and valves. Despite being categorized as having a high hazard potential, the dam's risk assessment is moderate. The TVA is responsible for the dam's ownership, funding, design, construction, regulation, inspection, and operation, ensuring its safety and functionality. While the dam has not undergone recent condition assessments, emergency action plans are in place to address any potential hazards or incidents.

Overall, Watauga Dam stands as a vital infrastructure asset in Tennessee, providing essential services such as flood protection, water storage, and renewable energy generation. Its strategic location on the Watauga River highlights its importance in managing water resources and addressing climate-related challenges in the region. Enthusiasts of water resources and climate resilience will find Watauga Dam to be a fascinating example of sustainable infrastructure development and management in the face of changing environmental conditions.

Years Modified

1983 - Hydraulic

Year Completed

1948

Dam Length

900

Dam Height

332

River Or Stream

WATAUGA RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Rockfill

Surface Area

6440

Hydraulic Height

308

Drainage Area

468

Nid Storage

751557

Structural Height

332

Outlet Gates

Slide (sluice gate), Uncontrolled, Valve

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Rock

Nid Height

332
       
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.