Pioneer #3 Reservoir Report
Nearby: Pioneer #5 Pioneer #4
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Located in Dyer, Tennessee, Pioneer #3 is a privately owned earth dam constructed in 1945 for recreational purposes along the Forked Deer River.
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Summary
With a hydraulic height of 23.7 feet and a structural height of 28.9 feet, this dam provides a storage capacity of 138 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 9.4 acres. Despite its high hazard potential, Pioneer #3 has been deemed to be in satisfactory condition as of its last inspection in July 2020.
Managed by the Tennessee Safe Dams Program, this dam is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced by the state, ensuring compliance with safety standards and maintenance protocols. The dam is equipped with an uncontrolled spillway and has no outlet gates. While the risk assessment classifies Pioneer #3 as having a moderate risk level, there is a lack of information regarding emergency action plans, inundation maps, and risk management measures, highlighting areas for potential improvement in the dam's safety and emergency preparedness protocols.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Pioneer #3 serves as a valuable case study in dam infrastructure management, highlighting the importance of regular inspections, risk assessments, and emergency preparedness in ensuring the safety and resilience of dams in the face of changing environmental conditions. As a recreational structure with historical significance, Pioneer #3 embodies the intersection of human development and natural systems, offering insights into the challenges and opportunities of managing water resources in a dynamic and evolving climate landscape.
Year Completed |
1945 |
Dam Length |
400 |
River Or Stream |
FORKED DEER RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
9.4 |
Hydraulic Height |
23.7 |
Drainage Area |
0.04 |
Nid Storage |
138 |
Structural Height |
28.9 |
Outlet Gates |
None |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Nid Height |
29 |
Seasonal Comparison
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Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo 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
HighDams 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.
Pioneer #3