Hale Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Hale, located in Cumberland, Tennessee, is a private earth dam built in 1982 with a primary purpose of fire protection, stock, or small fish pond.


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Summary

Situated on Little Laurel Creek, this dam has a hydraulic height of 14.7 feet and a structural height of 19.3 feet. With a storage capacity of 194 acre-feet, it serves recreational purposes as well, covering a surface area of 18.4 acres within a drainage area of 1.84 square miles.

Despite being rated as having low hazard potential and not yet assessed for condition, Hale poses a moderate risk (3) and is subject to inspections every five years. The dam has no spillway and no outlet gates, but its maximum storage capacity is utilized for normal storage of 108 acre-feet. Although it is not state-regulated, inspected, permitted, or enforced, Hale remains an essential structure for fire protection and water storage in the region.

With its humble yet vital role in the local water resource infrastructure, Hale stands as a modest contributor to the conservation and management of water resources in Tennessee. Its historical significance as a fire protection and recreational site underscores the importance of maintaining and monitoring such structures for the sustainable utilization of water in the face of climate change and evolving environmental challenges.

Year Completed

1982

Dam Length

185

River Or Stream

LITTLE LAUREL CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

18.4

Hydraulic Height

14.7

Drainage Area

1.84

Nid Storage

194

Structural Height

19.3

Outlet Gates

None

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

19
       
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.