Lake Hiawatha dam
Lake Hiawatha
Lake Hiawatha, located in Cumberland, Tennessee, is a privately owned reservoir regulated by the Tennessee Safe Dams Program. Built in 1965, this earth dam spans 930 feet in length and stands at a hydraulic height of 12.1 feet, with a structural height of 13.6 feet. The reservoir has a storage capacity of 105 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 16.5 acres, serving as a critical water resource for the surrounding area. Despite its significant hazard potential, Lake Hiawatha has been assessed as being in satisfactory condition, with a moderate risk level.
Situated on Byrd Creek in the Nashville District, Lake Hiawatha plays a vital role in water management in the region, with a normal storage capacity of 80 acre-feet. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway and is subject to regular inspections by the state regulatory agency, ensuring its safety and integrity. Although the reservoir has no associated structures or outlet gates, it remains a key component of the local water infrastructure, providing both recreational opportunities and essential water supply for the community of Homestead.
With a risk assessment rating of moderate, Lake Hiawatha is closely monitored for any potential safety concerns, with an inspection frequency of twice a year. The reservoir's condition is regularly assessed, and emergency response plans are in place to address any unforeseen events. As a significant water resource in the area, Lake Hiawatha continues to be a focal point for water resource and climate enthusiasts, highlighting the importance of sustainable water management practices in the face of changing climate conditions.
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 Lake Hiawatha -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Daddys Creek Near Hebbertsburg | 12 cfs | → |
| Calfkiller River At Hwy 111 Below Sparta | 282 cfs | → |
| Clear Creek At Lilly Bridge Near Lancing | 10 cfs | → |
| Obed River Near Lancing | 599 cfs | → |
| Sewee Creek Near Decatur | 23 cfs | → |
| Emory River At Oakdale | 52 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Lake Hiawatha.
Campgrounds
Track Lake Hiawatha 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 Lake Hiawatha
Where does the data for Lake Hiawatha 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 Significant 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 Lake Hiawatha.