Bear Creek #1 Reservoir Report
Nearby: Bear Creek #2 Freeland Pond
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Bear Creek #1, also known as Bear Creek Watershed Dam 1, is a private-owned structure located in Fayette, Tennessee.
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Summary
Built in 1962 by the USDA NRCS, this Earth-type dam serves the primary purpose of flood risk reduction along the Bear Creek river. With a hydraulic height of 18.5 feet and a structural height of 28.3 feet, the dam has a storage capacity of 298 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 11.7 acres.
Despite being classified as low hazard potential, Bear Creek #1 has a moderate risk assessment rating of 3. The dam's condition is currently not rated, and it undergoes inspections every five years, with the last one conducted in February 2017. While it does not have an Emergency Action Plan (EAP) in place, the structure does not meet regulatory guidelines for EAP preparation. With no outlet gates and an uncontrolled spillway type, the dam poses a potential risk that warrants attention from water resource and climate enthusiasts.
Overall, Bear Creek #1 serves as a crucial flood risk reduction infrastructure in the region, yet it faces moderate risk due to its lack of certain safety measures and updated assessments. As climate change continues to impact water resources and infrastructure, it is essential to monitor and address potential vulnerabilities in structures like Bear Creek #1 to ensure the safety and resilience of communities and ecosystems in the face of changing environmental conditions.
Year Completed |
1962 |
Dam Length |
633 |
River Or Stream |
BEAR CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
11.7 |
Hydraulic Height |
18.5 |
Drainage Area |
0.73 |
Nid Storage |
298 |
Structural Height |
28.3 |
Outlet Gates |
None |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
28 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Hatchie River At Bolivar
|
933cfs |
Wolf River At Lagrange
|
223cfs |
Loosahatchie River Near Arlington
|
122cfs |
South Fork Forked Deer River Near Owl City
|
524cfs |
Wolf River At Rossville
|
508cfs |
Hatchie River At Rialto
|
1080cfs |
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.
Bear Creek #1