Fort Loudoun Dam - Saddle Dam No. 1 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Fort Loudoun Dam - Saddle Dam No.


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Summary

1, located in Lenoir City, Tennessee, is a key structure managed by the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) for flood risk reduction along the Tennessee River. Constructed in 1943, this earth-type dam stands at a height of 29 feet and spans 460 feet in length, with a stone core foundation supported by rock and soil. Despite its age, the dam underwent structural modifications in 2015 to ensure its integrity and effectiveness in mitigating flood hazards.

With a primary purpose of flood risk reduction, Fort Loudoun Dam - Saddle Dam No. 1 also serves multiple secondary functions including hydroelectric power generation, navigation support, recreation opportunities, and water supply management. Although the dam does not feature a spillway, it is equipped with outlet gates for operational control. Its hazard potential is classified as high, necessitating regular inspections and risk assessments to maintain safety standards and emergency preparedness protocols. The dam's critical role in water resource management underscores the importance of ongoing monitoring and maintenance efforts by TVA.

As a federal-owned structure, Fort Loudoun Dam - Saddle Dam No. 1 represents a significant collaboration between various agencies under the TVA umbrella, including design, construction, regulation, inspection, and operation. Its strategic location in Loudon County, Tennessee, highlights the interconnectedness of water infrastructure and climate resilience in the region. The dam's historical significance and continued relevance in safeguarding communities and ecosystems along the Tennessee River underscore the importance of sustainable water resource management practices in the face of changing environmental conditions.

Years Modified

2015 - Structural

Year Completed

1943

Dam Length

460

Dam Height

21

River Or Stream

TENNESSEE RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Hydraulic Height

10

Structural Height

29

Outlet Gates

None

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Rock, Soil

Nid Height

29
       
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.
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