Completed in 1951, the dam serves multiple purposes, including flood risk reduction, hydroelectric power generation, recreation, and water supply. With a structural height of 125 feet and a dam length of 2160 feet, the dam has a storage capacity of 2,092,000 acre-feet and a maximum discharge of 454,000 cubic feet per second.
Despite its critical infrastructure, Center Hill Dam faces a high hazard potential due to concerns over the operational capacity of its Tainter gates. The US Army Corps of Engineers has implemented risk management measures to mitigate the potential consequences of a dam failure, including regular inspections, emergency action plans, and ongoing maintenance and repair efforts. The agency is currently focused on replacing all ten spillway gates to ensure the dam's continued safe operation and reduce the risk to the surrounding population of over 65,000 residents in areas downstream, such as Gordonsville, Carthage, Hendersonville, and Nashville. Water resource and climate enthusiasts should closely monitor the ongoing efforts to address the structural concerns at Center Hill Dam and ensure its long-term safety and reliability.
Year Completed |
1951 |
Dam Length |
2160 |
River Or Stream |
CANEY FORK RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Other |
Surface Area |
18220 |
Hydraulic Height |
125 |
Drainage Area |
2174 |
Nid Storage |
2092000 |
Structural Height |
125 |
Outlet Gates |
None - 0 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Rock |
Nid Height |
125 |