Fontana Dam Quick Facts
Fontana Dam Map
Fontana Dam Information
Fontana Dam is a concrete gravity dam located about 10 miles from Tapoco, Graham, North Carolina.
The dam, which is on the Little Tennessee River, was primarily built for Flood Risk Reduction purposes, but also serves for Navigation, Recreation, Hydroelectric and Water Supply benefits.
The dam was designed by TVA and commissioned in 1944 and is currently owned by TVA.
Fontana Dam Structure
The Fontana Dam is approximately 2,365 feet (721 m) long, 455 feet (139 m) high and has a structural volume of 3,563,600 cubic yards (2,724,568 cubic metres).
Fontana Dam Storage Capacity & Surface Area
The reservoir has a normal storage capacity of 1,370,253 acre-ft (1,690,180 Ml) and maximum capacity of 1,552,689 acre-ft (1,915,211 Ml).
The surface area of the reservoir is 10,290 acres (4,164 ha) and the total catchment area is 1,571 square miles (4,069 square kilometres).
Fontana Dam Spillway
The dam has a 140 feet (43 m) wide controlled spillway with a maximum discharge capacity of 189000 cubic feet per second (5352 cubic metres per second).
Fontana Dam Compared to Five Famous American Dams
Fontana Dam Weather
Current Conditions at Fontana Dam
Failed to fetch current weather data.7-Day Forecast for Fontana Dam
Failed to fetch weather forecast data.Fontana Dam Frequently Asked Questions
Fontana Dam is in North Carolina.
Fontana Dam is in Graham County.
Fontana Dam is 455 feet high.
Fontana Dam is 2,365 feet long.
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Apalachia DamB. Everett Jordan Dam
Bear Creek Dam
Blewett Falls Dam
Catawba Dam
Cedar Cliff Dam
Chatuge Dam
Cheoah Dam
Cowans Ford Dam
Falls Lake Dam
Fontana Dam
Gaston Dam
High Rock Dam
Hiwassee Dam
Lookout Shoals Dam
Mountain Island Dam
Nantahala Dam
Oxford Dam
Rhodhiss Dam
Roanoke Rapids Dam
Santeetlah Dam
Shearon Harris Auxiliary Reservoir Dam
Thorpe Dam
Tillery Dam
Tuckertown Dam
Walters Dam
Yadkin Narrows Dam
Condition Assessment Classification
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.
Source: National Inventory of Dams