Radnor dam
Radnor
Radnor, located in Oak Hill, Davidson County, Tennessee, is a state-regulated dam on Otter Creek with a primary purpose of recreation. Built in 1917, this earth dam stands at a structural height of 54 feet and a hydraulic height of 45.5 feet, impounding a maximum storage capacity of 2,150 acre-feet and a normal storage volume of 1,321 acre-feet. With a surface area of 75 acres and a drainage area of 2.12 square miles, Radnor offers a picturesque setting for outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy various recreational activities.
Despite its scenic beauty, Radnor poses a high hazard potential and has been assessed as unsatisfactory in condition. The dam lacks control mechanisms as it features an uncontrolled spillway. Its last inspection in May 2020 revealed the need for improvement, highlighting the necessity for regular maintenance and monitoring to ensure public safety. With a risk assessment rating of moderate (3), Radnor's risk management measures and emergency action plan preparedness require attention to mitigate potential hazards and safeguard the surrounding community.
Managed by the Tennessee Safe Dams Program, Radnor's association with the Nashville District of the US Army Corps of Engineers underscores the importance of regulatory oversight and enforcement for dam safety. As climate change intensifies the frequency and severity of extreme weather events, the maintenance and upkeep of dams like Radnor become crucial in preserving water resources and protecting downstream communities from the threat of dam failure. Enthusiasts and stakeholders in water resource management and climate resilience should advocate for proactive measures to ensure the structural integrity and safety of dams like Radnor in the face of evolving climate challenges.
Dam data reference
Condition Assessment
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
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, environmental 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.
Plan around the weather
Same NOAA / yr.no feed Snoflo's iOS app uses. Watch the precipitation column on the meteogram -- rain on the basin upstream typically lifts inflow 24-72 hours later.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind. Each cell is colour-coded relative to the column min/max.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
Nearby streamflow gauges
USGS streamgauges around Radnor -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Browns Creek At State Fairgrounds At Nashville | 5 cfs | → |
| Mill Creek At Thompson Lane | 8 cfs | → |
| Richland Creek At Charlotte Ave | 6 cfs | → |
| Harpeth River At Bellevue | 41 cfs | → |
| Mill Creek Near Nolensville | 801 cfs | → |
| Cumberland River At Nashville | 5,230 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Radnor.
Boat launches
- Cleeces Ferry Boat Ramp
- Hamilton Creek Park, Nashville
- Anderson Road Nashville-Davidson
- Smith Springs Road Nashville-Davidson
- Heartland Park Boat Ramp
- Old Hickory Boulevard Nashville-Davidson
Track Radnor in the Snoflo app
Save this dam as a favorite and get the local NOAA / yr.no forecast plus regional flow context wherever you are.
About Radnor
Where does the data for Radnor come from?
Structural and regulatory data come from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' National Inventory of Dams (NID). Weather forecast comes from NOAA / yr.no -- the same feed Snoflo's iOS app uses.
How often is the report updated?
NID structural data refreshes annually as the Corps publishes updated assessments. The weather forecast refreshes throughout the day.
What does the High hazard rating mean?
The Corps of Engineers' hazard potential classification grades probable consequences if the dam fails: High = probable loss of human life; Significant = no probable loss of human life but possible economic loss / environmental damage; Low = no probable loss of human life, only minor economic / environmental losses. See the Dam Data Reference card above for the full definitions.
What's "% of normal"?
The current storage value compared to the historical average storage on this calendar day. 100% = right on average; values above 100% mean above-normal storage (wet year); values below mean below-normal (dry year or drought).
Can I get alerts when storage crosses a threshold?
Yes -- alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this dam, set a threshold, and you'll get a push the moment conditions cross.
Other water bodies near here
Snoflo-tracked reservoirs and dams within driving distance of Radnor.