Old Hickory Lock and Dam, located on the Cumberland River in Nashville, Tennessee, serves multiple purposes such as hydroelectric power generation, navigation, recreation, and water supply.
Wind
Humidity
Completed in 1954 by the US Army Corps of Engineers, this concrete dam stands at a structural height of 98 feet and spans 3750 feet in length. With a normal storage capacity of 420,000 acre-feet and a surface area of 22,500 acres, the dam plays a crucial role in managing water resources in the region.
The dam's risk assessment indicates a high hazard potential with a very high risk rating, mainly due to the consequences of an overtopping failure of the compacted clay embankment. The population at risk is estimated to be around 30,000 people, primarily in urban areas like Nashville. However, the US Army Corps of Engineers is actively implementing risk management measures to reduce the likelihood of dam failure, including regular inspections, emergency action plan updates, and collaboration with local authorities to ensure public safety.
Despite the high hazard potential, there are currently no operating restrictions in place, and the dam continues to operate normally. The US Army Corps of Engineers' proactive approach to risk management and ongoing monitoring and maintenance efforts ensure that Old Hickory Lock and Dam remains a critical infrastructure for water resource management and climate resilience in the region.
Year Completed |
1954 |
Dam Length |
3750 |
River Or Stream |
CUMBERLAND RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Concrete |
Surface Area |
22500 |
Length Of Locks |
400 |
Hydraulic Height |
83 |
Drainage Area |
11674 |
Nid Storage |
545000 |
Structural Height |
98 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Rock |
Nid Height |
98 |
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Cages Bend - Old Hickory Lake
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Cedar Creek - Old Hickory Lake
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Camp Light
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Seven Points - J. Percy Priest Reservoir
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