Wilbur Dam, also known as Wilbur Lake, is a concrete gravity dam located on the Watauga River in Elizabethton, Carter County, Tennessee.
Wind
Humidity
Built in 1912 by East TN Light & Power, TVA, and Watauga Power Company, the dam stands at a height of 76 feet and has a hydraulic height of 71 feet. Its primary purpose is flood risk reduction, but it also serves for hydroelectric power generation and recreational activities.
With a storage capacity of 873 acre-feet and a maximum discharge rate of 39,040 cubic feet per second, Wilbur Dam plays a crucial role in managing water resources in the region. The dam is operated and regulated by the Tennessee Valley Authority, ensuring its safe and efficient functioning. Its hazard potential is classified as high, with a very high risk assessment rating of 1.
Despite being over a century old, Wilbur Dam has undergone modifications in 1950 to enhance its hydraulic, mechanical, and structural components. It features a controlled spillway with a width of 160 feet and outlet gates of Tainter design. The dam's condition assessment is currently marked as not available, emphasizing the importance of regular inspections and maintenance to ensure the safety and reliability of this vital water resource infrastructure.
Years Modified |
1950 - Hydraulic, 1950 - Mechanical, 1950 - Structural |
Year Completed |
1912 |
Dam Length |
376 |
Dam Height |
47 |
River Or Stream |
WATAUGA RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Concrete |
Surface Area |
70 |
Hydraulic Height |
71 |
Drainage Area |
480 |
Nid Storage |
873 |
Structural Height |
76 |
Outlet Gates |
Tainter (radial) |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Rock |
Nid Height |
76 |
Doe River At Elizabethton
|
293cfs |
Watauga River At Elizabethton
|
418cfs |
Watauga River Near Sugar Grove
|
63cfs |
Beaver Creek At Bristol
|
24cfs |
Nolichucky River At Embreeville
|
2020cfs |
S F Holston River Near Damascus
|
218cfs |
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Watauga Dam Tailwater
|
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Cardens Bluff Campground
|
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Cardens Bluff
|
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Dennis Cove Recreation Area
|
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Dennis Cove Rec Area
|
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Dennis Cove Campground
|