Top 10 Largest Dams in USA: There are many remarkable dams in the USA which are producing and managing gallons of water to run the water flow and electric flow smoothly throughout the country. The United States is home to some of the most remarkable engineering feats in the world.
Among total 92,000 dams in USA, there are few largest dams which are contributing in the welfare of the state by managing the water flow and electricity in the country. Today wie will share with you a list of top 10 largest dams in USA in 2025 which will help you to understand the water management system and the method to use resources by the government of USA.
Oroville Dam (California)
Oroville Dam is located in California which is considered a Largest dam in USA with height of 770 feets. It is also one of the oldest dam in USA which was completed in 1968 on the feather river in Northern California. This Dam create an artificial lake which is known as Oroville Lake. This lake is very important to Farmers and Agriculture units in Northern California as it fulfill the need of water supply for harvesting. Apart from this It is also a part of which state water safe program which is not only helping the Government of save water resources but it is also converting water energy into electric energy through this dam.
Hoover Dam (Nevada/Arizona)
Over dam is also one of the oldest dams in the country which was completed in 1936. The Dam is located in Arizona and Arizona. It is a second largest dam in USA with a height of 726 feet. This time is created between Nevada and Arizona borders on the Colorado river which is separating these States. This dam is getting an artificial lake named Mead. If we compare it with the volume of the lake than it is USA’s largest reservoir by volume. The dam is helping the government to create sufficient electricity for at least half million of the locality in this area and also helping to prevent banks of the Colorado river from flooding.
Grand Coulee Dam (Washington)
The Grand Coulee Dam is also considered as one of the largest dam in USA which was created on 1930. This Dam is located in Washington in the North America and is built on Colombia river. The dam is considered as the largest concrete structure in North America. The dam is creating approximately 6,809 megawatt of electricity and helping millions of Americans to use the electricity generated in this Dam.
Dworshak Dam (Idaho)
Dworshak Dam is the 4th largest dam in the USA by its length. The dam is standing on North Fork clearwater river in Idaho. The height of this dam is approximately 717 feet. The special concrete structure of this dam is creating it the tallest straight axis Concrete gravity dam in western hemisphere. It was Completed by us administration in 1973 and it is basically created to reduce chances of flood in nearby localities of the river, apart from this it is also helping to generate electricity for people living in this locality. Apart from the Welfare programs, the dam is also promoting tourist in this place due to its facility for fishing, boating and other wildlife activities in this lake.
Glen Canyon Dam (Arizona)
This dam is also created on Colorado river under the shortest project in Arizona with a height of 710 feet. This dam is creating Powell lake which was finished in 1966. This dam is very helpful for the shortest project of the government including reducing flood, generating electricity and managing water resources for harvesting and other purposes.
John Day Dam (Oregon/Washington)
John Day Dam was created in 1971 on the Columbia river. It have been created between Oregon and Washington on Columbia river which is producing more than 2160 megawatts of electricity. It is famous due to its lock system for ships which help shift to bypass the rapids with opening in land bored to global trade.
Chief Joseph Dam (Washington)
The chief Joseph dam is also considered as one of the largest dam in America which was created in 1955 in Washington on Columbia river. It is one of the successful Dam to generate electricity which is currently producing 2620 megawatt of electricity and ranking one of the top producer of electricity in the country. This dam is created with the help of environmentalist which is not affecting the natural flow of the Columbia river and not affecting the nature. It is one of the greatest example to create artificial dams with the flow of the existing river.
The Dalles Dam (Oregon/Washington)
Dalles Dam is generating total electricity of 2038 megawatt and helping the state to control floods. It is also created on the Columbia river in Washington and Oregon which was completed in 1957.
Shasta Dam (California)
Shasta Dam can also be considered as one of the largest dam in USA which was created in 1945. The height of the dam is approximately 602 feet which have been created on Sacramento river in California . This dam is creating an artificial lake named Shasta lake which is very helpful for farmers and individuals who are engaged in agriculture activities. Apart from this it is also helping the government to manage water resources in the state
Fort Peck Dam (Montana)
Fort Peck Dam is located on Montana in the Missouri river. The dam is famous in USA for its immense volume of a structure material and the size of the Dam, It was finished by the US government in 1940. The dam is one of the largest Earthfill dams in the world. It flood control, electricity generating program, water supply and other management of the lake in the state.
FAQs: Top 10 Largest Dams in USA
What is the largest dam in the USA?
The Oroville Dam in California is the largest dam in the USA, standing at 770 feet and creating Lake Oroville, which supports water supply and electricity generation.
Which dam produces the most electricity in the USA?
The Grand Coulee Dam in Washington is the largest electricity producer, generating approximately 6,809 megawatts, powering millions of homes.
How does the Hoover Dam contribute to water management?
The Hoover Dam, located on the Colorado River, forms Lake Mead, the largest reservoir by volume in the USA. It provides electricity for around 500,000 residents and prevents flooding along the river.
What is unique about the Dworshak Dam?
The Dworshak Dam in Idaho is the tallest straight-axis concrete gravity dam in the Western Hemisphere, standing at 717 feet. It supports flood control, electricity generation, and tourism through recreational activities.
Why is the Glen Canyon Dam important?
The Glen Canyon Dam in Arizona, forming Lake Powell, is vital for the Colorado River Storage Project, aiding in flood control, electricity generation, and water supply for agriculture.
What is the purpose of the lock system in the John Day Dam?
The lock system in the John Day Dam allows ships to bypass rapids, facilitating inland navigation and supporting global trade.
How does the Chief Joseph Dam balance environmental concerns?
The Chief Joseph Dam was designed with environmental input to minimize disruption to the Columbia River’s natural flow, making it a sustainable example of dam construction.
What role does the Shasta Dam play in California?
The Shasta Dam, located on the Sacramento River, forms Shasta Lake, which supports agricultural water needs and helps manage water resources in California.
Why is the Fort Peck Dam significant?
The Fort Peck Dam in Montana is one of the largest earthfill dams in the world, notable for its massive structure and contributions to flood control and electricity generation.
How do these dams benefit the USA?
These dams manage water resources, generate electricity, control flooding, and support agriculture and tourism, contributing significantly to the nation’s infrastructure and economy.