Raccoon Mountain Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Located in Haletown, Tennessee, the Raccoon Mountain Dam, also known as Raccoon Mountain Reservoir, is a marvel of engineering designed by the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA).


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Summary

Completed in 1978, this rockfill dam stands at a height of 230 feet and serves as a vital hydroelectric facility on the Tennessee River's John McNabb Branch. With a storage capacity of 36,340 acre-feet and a normal storage of 2,200 acre-feet, the dam plays a crucial role in providing water resources and clean energy for the region.

The Raccoon Mountain Dam is owned and operated by the Tennessee Valley Authority, with primary purposes including hydroelectric power generation. The dam's structure, consisting of stone core and rock foundations, spans 8,500 feet in length and covers a surface area of 528 acres. Despite its high hazard potential, the dam's condition assessment is currently not available, raising concerns about its risk management measures. The absence of a spillway and the use of slide gates for outlet control further highlight the importance of monitoring and maintaining this key water resource infrastructure.

As a significant feature in Marion County, Tennessee, the Raccoon Mountain Dam stands as a testament to human ingenuity and the intersection of water resource management and climate considerations. With its strategic location and vital role in providing clean energy and water storage, this dam serves as a vital lifeline for the region's communities and ecosystems. As climate change impacts continue to pose challenges to water resources, ensuring the safety and resilience of structures like the Raccoon Mountain Dam is essential for sustainable development and environmental stewardship in the face of evolving climate conditions.

Year Completed

1978

Dam Length

8500

Dam Height

230

River Or Stream

TENNESSEE RIVER - JOHN MCNABB BRANCH

Primary Dam Type

Rockfill

Surface Area

528

Hydraulic Height

224

Drainage Area

1.4

Nid Storage

36340

Structural Height

230

Outlet Gates

Slide (sluice gate)

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Rock, Soil

Nid Height

230
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.