Catherine Lake Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Catherine Lake in Otter Creek, Cumberland, Tennessee, is a privately owned earth dam with a height of 27.3 feet and a hydraulic height of 23.8 feet.


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Summary

Built in 1952, the dam serves as a water resource for the area, providing a maximum storage capacity of 508 acre-feet and a normal storage of 367 acre-feet. The lake covers a surface area of 38.6 acres and has a drainage area of 0.32 square miles, with Bagwell Branch serving as the river or stream source.

Managed by the Tennessee Safe Dams Program, Catherine Lake is subject to state regulations, inspections, and enforcement measures to ensure its structural integrity and safety. The dam has a spillway type of "Uncontrolled" and a significant hazard potential, although its condition assessment as of February 2020 was rated as satisfactory. With a moderate risk assessment level of 3, Catherine Lake remains a vital water source within the region, warranting regular inspections and emergency preparedness protocols to mitigate any potential risks.

Situated in a picturesque location and surrounded by the natural beauty of the Tennessee landscape, Catherine Lake stands as a testament to both the importance of water resource management and the need for climate resilience. As a privately owned dam, it plays a crucial role in providing water storage and recreational opportunities for the local community, while also highlighting the importance of maintaining infrastructure to withstand the challenges posed by a changing climate. With ongoing risk management measures in place, Catherine Lake continues to be a valuable asset for both water enthusiasts and climate advocates alike.

Year Completed

1952

Dam Length

491

River Or Stream

BAGWELL BRANCH

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

38.6

Hydraulic Height

23.8

Drainage Area

0.32

Nid Storage

508

Structural Height

27.3

Outlet Gates

None

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

27
       
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.