Calderwood
Calderwood is an arch dam located in Blount County, Tennessee, built in 1930. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About Calderwood
The primary purpose of Calderwood is hydroelectric. The dam generates hydroelectric power by channeling water through turbines, converting the energy of flowing water into electricity. The dam is owned by Brookfield Renewable Energy Group (aro) (private). It impounds the Little Tennessee near Calderwood.
The dam stands 230 feet tall and stretches 916 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 570 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 43,500 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 1,856 square miles. Completed in 1930, the structure is well-established, with more than 75 years of service.
This dam carries a high hazard potential classification, which means that a failure or uncontrolled release of water would likely cause loss of human life. This classification reflects the consequences of failure, not the likelihood — it indicates that people live or work in the area downstream. Its condition is rated satisfactory, indicating no existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. An emergency action plan is in place for this dam. The most recent inspection on record was 07/19/2022.
At 230 feet, this dam is taller than 99% of all dams in the United States.
Living Downstream
If you live or work downstream of this dam, consider taking these steps: learn your local evacuation routes, check whether your county emergency management office has a dam failure inundation map, and sign up for local emergency alerts. The Tennessee dam safety program can provide more specific information about emergency planning for this structure.
Search for dams near your address to see all dams in your area with hazard classifications and safety data.
Location
| State | Tennessee |
| County | Blount |
| Nearest City | Calderwood |
| River/Stream | Little Tennessee |
| Coordinates | 35.49265, -83.97964 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Arch |
| NID Height | 230 ft |
| Dam Height | 214 ft |
| Dam Length | 916 ft |
| Year Completed | 1930 (96 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 43,500 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 43,500 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 41,100 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 570 acres |
| Drainage Area | 1,856 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 375,000 cfs |
| Spillway Type | Controlled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Hydroelectric |
| Owner | Brookfield Renewable Energy Group (ARO) |
| Owner Type | Private |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 07/19/2022 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | TN00906 |
| Federal ID | TN00906 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |