Terra Alta Lake Reservoir Report
Nearby: Duncan Lake Dodge
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Terra Alta Lake, located in Fayette, Tennessee, is a privately owned earth dam structure built in 1969 on King Creek.
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Summary
With a hydraulic height of 14.7 feet and a structural height of 19.7 feet, Terra Alta Lake stands at 20 feet tall, stretching 700 feet in length. The dam has a storage capacity of 478 acre-feet, providing a surface area of 42.9 acres and a drainage area of 1.1 square miles.
Managed by the Tennessee Safe Dams Program, Terra Alta Lake has a low hazard potential and is in satisfactory condition as of its last inspection in June 2020. The dam boasts a moderate risk assessment rating, indicating a level 3 risk. While the spillway type is uncontrolled, the dam has no outlet gates and has not been modified in recent years. With a normal storage capacity of 252 acre-feet, Terra Alta Lake serves as a vital water resource in the region for both recreational and environmental purposes.
Water resource and climate enthusiasts will appreciate Terra Alta Lake for its significant contribution to the local ecosystem and water supply. As a regulated and inspected dam, it provides a sense of security to the surrounding community. Its moderate risk assessment calls for continued monitoring and maintenance to ensure the safety and sustainability of this essential water resource in Fayette, Tennessee.
Year Completed |
1969 |
Dam Length |
700 |
River Or Stream |
KING CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
42.9 |
Hydraulic Height |
14.7 |
Drainage Area |
1.1 |
Nid Storage |
478 |
Structural Height |
19.7 |
Outlet Gates |
None |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
20 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Wolf River At Lagrange
|
223cfs |
Hatchie River At Bolivar
|
933cfs |
Wolf River At Rossville
|
508cfs |
Loosahatchie River Near Arlington
|
122cfs |
Hatchie River Near Walnut
|
172cfs |
Wolf River At Germantown
|
542cfs |
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.
Terra Alta Lake