Whispering Winds Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 13, 2025

Whispering Winds is a privately owned dam located in Pall Mall, Tennessee, along Big Dry Creek.


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Summary

This earth dam was completed in 1976 and stands at a hydraulic height of 67.8 feet, with a structural height of 74.4 feet and a length of 1600 feet. The dam has a storage capacity of 1492 acre-feet, with a surface area of 47 acres and a drainage area of 0.25 square miles.

Managed by the Tennessee Safe Dams Program, Whispering Winds is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced by state agencies, ensuring its safety and compliance with regulations. The dam has a significant hazard potential but is currently in satisfactory condition, with its last inspection conducted in April 2019. While the dam lacks certain features like outlet gates and controlled spillways, its risk assessment is moderate, with risk management measures in place.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Whispering Winds presents an interesting case study of a privately owned dam in Tennessee. Its location, design, storage capacity, and regulatory oversight provide valuable insights into the management of dams in the region. With a focus on safety and compliance, this dam serves as a crucial component of the local water infrastructure, highlighting the importance of responsible stewardship in ensuring the resilience of water resources in the face of changing climate conditions.

Year Completed

1976

Dam Length

1600

River Or Stream

BIG DRY CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

47

Hydraulic Height

67.8

Drainage Area

0.25

Nid Storage

1492

Structural Height

74.4

Outlet Gates

None

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

74
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.