O'donnell Dam
O'donnell Dam is an earth dam located in Franklin County, Tennessee, built in 1955. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About O'donnell Dam
O'donnell Dam is a dam in Franklin, Tennessee. The dam is owned by Sewanee Utility District (public utility). It impounds the Barnes Branch near Sewanee.
The dam stands 29 feet tall and stretches 790 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 21 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 180 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 0 square miles. Completed in 1955, the structure is well into its service life at over 50 years old.
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 07/01/2025.
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 | Franklin |
| Nearest City | Sewanee |
| River/Stream | Barnes Branch |
| Coordinates | 35.20139, -85.90083 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 29 ft |
| Dam Length | 790 ft |
| Year Completed | 1955 (71 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 180 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 180 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 116 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 21 acres |
| Drainage Area | 0 sq mi |
| Spillway Type | Uncontrolled |
Ownership & Safety
| Owner | Sewanee Utility District |
| Owner Type | Public Utility |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 07/01/2025 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | TN05104 |
| Federal ID | TN05104 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |