Lambert Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Lambert, located in Blount County, Tennessee, is a privately owned earth dam designed by the USDA NRCS for fire protection, stock, and small fish pond purposes.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

Completed in 1965, this dam on Big Spring Branch has a hydraulic height of 48.4 feet and a structural height of 53.9 feet, with a storage capacity of 454 acre-feet. The dam has a high hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment rating, making it a key structure for water resource and climate management in the area.

Despite its importance, Lambert has not been rated for its condition assessment and lacks emergency action plans and inundation maps. The last inspection in August 2016 highlighted its high hazard potential, prompting a five-year inspection frequency. With no outlet gates and an uncontrolled spillway, the dam poses a significant risk, emphasizing the need for proactive risk management measures to ensure public safety and water resource sustainability in the region.

As a valuable asset for fire protection, stock, and recreation, Lambert serves as a critical infrastructure in the Nashville District of Tennessee. With its location in Sixmile and its key role in managing water resources in the area, Lambert stands as a reminder of the importance of maintaining and monitoring dams for sustainable water management practices and climate resilience in the face of changing environmental conditions.

Year Completed

1965

Dam Length

605

River Or Stream

BIG SPRING BRANCH

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

20

Hydraulic Height

48.4

Drainage Area

0.73

Nid Storage

454

Structural Height

53.9

Outlet Gates

None

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Rock, Soil

Nid Height

54
       
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.