Dobson #1 dam
Dobson #1
Dobson #1 is a privately owned earth dam located in Marion, Tennessee, with a primary purpose of recreation. Completed in 2006, this dam stands at a hydraulic height of 35 feet and a structural height of 38 feet, with a length of 300 feet. It has a storage capacity of 137 acre-feet and a normal storage capacity of 112 acre-feet, covering a surface area of 8 acres.
Although classified as having a low hazard potential, Dobson #1 is considered to have a moderate risk level. The dam is uncontrolled, with no spillway width specified. It has not been rated for condition assessment, and the last inspection was conducted in January 2019, with an inspection frequency of 5 years. While the dam does not fall under state regulation or jurisdiction, it is monitored by the Tennessee primary source agency.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Dobson #1 represents a recreational structure in the Tennessee landscape, offering opportunities for outdoor activities in a picturesque setting. The dam's construction and storage capacity provide insight into the region's water management practices and the potential impact of climate change on local water resources. Continued monitoring and maintenance of Dobson #1 are essential to ensure the safety and longevity of this important infrastructure.
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 Dobson #1 -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Elk River Near Pelham | 18 cfs | → |
| Lookout Creek Near New England | 61 cfs | → |
| Sequatchie River Near Whitwell | 144 cfs | → |
| Bradley Creek Nr Prairie Plains | 29 cfs | → |
| Hester Creek At Buddy Williamson Rd Nr Plevna | 5 cfs | → |
| Duck River Below Manchester | 27 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Dobson #1.
Boat launches
- Stevenson City Park Boat Ramp
- Mapleview Road, South Pittsburg
- Macedonia Road Marion County
- Interstate 24, Jasper
- Hales Bar Road 950, Guild
- County Road 213 355, Hollywood
Campgrounds
- Caver's Paradise
- Stevenson Municipal Park - Guntersville Reservoir
- Shellmound - Nickajack Dam Reservation
- Father Adamz
- Foster Falls
- Marion County Park
Fishing spots
- Coon Creek
- Bowman Branch
- Madison County Lake
- Guntersville Lake
- Desoto State Park Lake
- Fayetteville Old Stone Bridge
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
- Confluence With East And West Branches To Al 37 Bridge
- Al 35 Bridge To Ends One Mile Upstream From Al 273 Bridge
- Begins One Mile Upstream From Al 273 Bridge To Lake Weiss
Track Dobson #1 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 Dobson #1
Where does the data for Dobson #1 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 Dobson #1.