Winfrey Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Winfrey, a privately owned Earth dam situated along the Loosahatchie River in Fayette, Tennessee, was completed in 1975 with a primary purpose that remains undisclosed.


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Summary

The dam stands at a structural height of 17 feet and has a hydraulic height of 13.1 feet, with a storage capacity of 64 acre-feet. While it has a low hazard potential and is currently rated as "Not Rated" in terms of condition assessment, Winfrey is subject to moderate risk, with an inspection frequency of five years to ensure its structural integrity.

Managed by the Memphis District of the US Army Corps of Engineers, Winfrey features an uncontrolled spillway type and spans a length of 420 feet, covering a surface area of 6.5 acres. With a drainage area of 0.37 square miles, the dam serves as a vital water resource for the region. Despite its lack of state regulation or enforcement, Winfrey remains a critical infrastructure for flood control and water storage, contributing to the environmental and climate resilience of the area.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Winfrey represents a fascinating case study of a privately owned dam with significant storage capacity and risk management considerations. With its location along the Loosahatchie River and its role in flood control, Winfrey serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining and monitoring critical infrastructure to ensure the safety and sustainability of water resources in the face of changing climate conditions.

Year Completed

1975

Dam Length

420

River Or Stream

LOOSAHATCHIE RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

6.5

Hydraulic Height

13.1

Drainage Area

0.37

Nid Storage

64

Structural Height

17

Outlet Gates

None

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

17
       
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.