Phipps dam
Phipps
Phipps is a privately owned earth dam located in Grundy, Tennessee, along the Sally Creek. Built in 1991, this dam stands at a hydraulic height of 32 feet and a structural height of 35 feet, with a maximum storage capacity of 160 acre-feet. With a surface area of 10 acres and a normal storage capacity of 125 acre-feet, Phipps serves as a vital water resource in the region.
Although Phipps has a low hazard potential and is currently rated as "Not Rated" in terms of condition assessment, it is still subject to regular inspections every five years to ensure its safety and functionality. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway type with no outlet gates, further emphasizing the importance of proper risk management measures. With a moderate risk assessment score of 3, it is crucial for water resource and climate enthusiasts to stay informed about the maintenance and upkeep of Phipps to prevent any potential hazards or risks associated with its operation.
As part of the Nashville District, Phipps plays a significant role in water management and conservation efforts in the region. While it is not regulated by the state and has no permitting or inspection requirements, the presence of this dam highlights the importance of private initiatives in maintaining and safeguarding water resources. With its strategic location and vital storage capacity, Phipps serves as a valuable asset for the community and underscores the need for proactive risk management strategies to ensure its long-term sustainability in the face of changing climate conditions.
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 Phipps -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Elk River Near Pelham | 31 cfs | → |
| Bradley Creek Nr Prairie Plains | 33 cfs | → |
| Sequatchie River Near Whitwell | 152 cfs | → |
| Duck River Below Manchester | 41 cfs | → |
| Collins River Near Mcminnville | 198 cfs | → |
| North Chickamauga Creek Near Montlake | 0 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Phipps.
Boat launches
- Prairie Plains Road 6471, Hillsboro
- Morris Ferry Dock Road 66-98, Estill Springs
- Manchester Beach Road, Tullahoma
- Franklin County Park Boat Ramp
- Bennett Lake Road 257-463, Whitwell
- Interstate 24, Jasper
Campgrounds
Fishing spots
- Coon Creek
- Bowman Branch
- Fayetteville Old Stone Bridge
- Madison County Lake
- Desoto State Park Lake
- Guntersville Lake
Paddle runs
- Desoto Falls In Desoto State Park To Confluence With Little River
- River Miles 8 Near Ga Sate Line To Confluence With Little River
More reservoirs
Track Phipps 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 Phipps
Where does the data for Phipps 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 Low 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 Phipps.