Lake Elaine Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 12, 2025

Lake Elaine, located in Bedford, Tennessee, is a privately owned Earth dam with a hydraulic height of 21 feet and a structural height of 26 feet.


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Summary

Completed in 1945, this dam boasts a storage capacity of 350 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 200 acre-feet and a surface area of 28.5 acres. The dam is situated on the Coleman Ray Branch, under the jurisdiction of the Nashville District of the US Army Corps of Engineers.

With a high hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment rating, Lake Elaine is a key feature in the area's water resource management. Despite its age, the dam's condition has not been formally rated, and it is not subject to state regulation or inspection. The spillway is uncontrolled, and there are no outlet gates or associated structures. The last inspection was conducted in January 2020, with a scheduled inspection frequency of every 5 years.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Lake Elaine presents an intriguing case study in dam infrastructure. Its historical significance, high hazard potential, and moderate risk assessment make it a focal point for understanding the complexities of managing water resources in the region. As climate change continues to impact precipitation patterns and extreme weather events, the maintenance and monitoring of dams like Lake Elaine will be crucial in ensuring the safety and sustainability of water systems for future generations.

Year Completed

1945

Dam Length

555

River Or Stream

COLEMAN RAY BRANCH

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

28.5

Hydraulic Height

21

Drainage Area

0.97

Nid Storage

350

Structural Height

26

Outlet Gates

None

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

26
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

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. 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.