Cheatham Lock And Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 10, 2025

Cheatham Lock and Dam, located in Dickson, Tennessee on the Cumberland River, was completed in 1954 by the US Army Corps of Engineers for the primary purpose of navigation.


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Summary

This gravity dam stands at a height of 75 feet with a hydraulic height of 31 feet and a length of 981 feet, creating a reservoir with a maximum storage capacity of 104,000 acre-feet. The dam also serves purposes such as hydroelectric power generation, recreation, and water supply for the region.

Managed and funded by the US Army Corps of Engineers, Cheatham Lock and Dam plays a crucial role in flood risk management, with a significant hazard potential due to its location. The Corps continually monitors the dam's condition, conducts regular inspections, and engages with emergency managers and the public to raise awareness and preparedness for potential dam-related emergencies. Despite the risks associated with severe weather events and floodwaters, the Corps implements risk management measures to ensure the dam's structural integrity and the safety of downstream communities.

As a key infrastructure on the Cumberland River, Cheatham Lock and Dam represents a vital link in the region's water resource management and climate resilience efforts. Its role in navigation, hydroelectric power generation, and flood risk management underscores the importance of ongoing maintenance and monitoring to safeguard communities and the environment from potential hazards associated with dam operations.

Year Completed

1954

Dam Length

981

River Or Stream

CUMBERLAND RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Gravity

Surface Area

7450

Length Of Locks

800

Hydraulic Height

31

Drainage Area

14160

Nid Storage

104000

Structural Height

75

Hazard Potential

Significant

Foundations

Rock

Nid Height

75
       
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.