Bays Mountain, located in Sullivan, Tennessee, is a masonry dam on Dolan Branch with a hydraulic height of 32.6 feet and a structural height of 35 feet.
Wind
Humidity
Built in 1915, the dam has a storage capacity of 550 acre-feet and a normal storage level of 469 acre-feet, serving as a key water resource in the region. Despite its age, the dam is in satisfactory condition and is inspected annually by the Tennessee Safe Dams Program to ensure its integrity.
The dam's spillway is uncontrolled, and its hazard potential is classified as high, although the risk assessment indicates a moderate level of risk. The surrounding area has a drainage area of 1.67 square miles, with a surface area of 36 acres. The dam is under the jurisdiction of the state regulatory agency and is subject to permitting, inspection, and enforcement by the Tennessee Safe Dams Program, ensuring that it meets safety standards and poses no threat to the surrounding community.
With its rich history dating back over a century, Bays Mountain represents a vital piece of Tennessee's water infrastructure. Climate and water resource enthusiasts can appreciate the dam's contribution to the local water supply, as well as its role in flood control and irrigation. As efforts continue to maintain and monitor the dam, it stands as a testament to the importance of effectively managing and safeguarding our water resources in the face of changing environmental conditions.
Year Completed |
1915 |
Dam Length |
530 |
River Or Stream |
DOLAN BRANCH |
Primary Dam Type |
Masonry |
Surface Area |
36 |
Hydraulic Height |
32.6 |
Drainage Area |
1.67 |
Nid Storage |
550 |
Structural Height |
35 |
Outlet Gates |
None |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Nid Height |
35 |
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