Bedford Lake Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Bedford Lake, located in Shelbyville, Tennessee, is a state-regulated reservoir on Doddy Creek with a high hazard potential.


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Summary

Built in 1940, this earth dam stands at a structural height of 33 feet and has a hydraulic height of 23.4 feet. The reservoir has a storage capacity of 770 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 390 acre-feet, covering a surface area of 42 acres within a drainage area of 3.16 square miles.

Managed by the Tennessee Safe Dams Program, Bedford Lake has a satisfactory condition assessment as of June 2020, with a moderate risk rating of 3. Although the spillway is uncontrolled, the dam has no outlet gates and a maximum discharge capacity is not specified. Despite its age, the dam remains structurally sound and is regularly inspected by state authorities. Water resource and climate enthusiasts interested in the management and safety of dams will find Bedford Lake to be a fascinating case study in maintaining critical infrastructure for flood control and water supply purposes in the region.

Year Completed

1940

Dam Length

672

River Or Stream

DODDY CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

42

Hydraulic Height

23.4

Drainage Area

3.16

Nid Storage

770

Structural Height

33

Outlet Gates

None

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

33
       
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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.