Watauga Dam, located on the Watauga River in Carter, Tennessee, is a rockfill dam completed in 1948 by the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA).
Wind
Humidity
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 |
Doe River At Elizabethton
|
293cfs |
Watauga River At Elizabethton
|
423cfs |
Watauga River Near Sugar Grove
|
62cfs |
Nolichucky River At Embreeville
|
2020cfs |
Beaver Creek At Bristol
|
24cfs |
S F Holston River Near Damascus
|
206cfs |
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Cardens Bluff Campground
|
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Cardens Bluff
|
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Watauga Dam Tailwater
|
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Dennis Cove Recreation Area
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Dennis Cove Rec Area
|
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Dennis Cove Campground
|