Old Jamestown Water Suppl Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 13, 2025

Old Jamestown Water Supply, located in Fentress, Tennessee, stands as a crucial water resource infrastructure along the North White Oak Creek.


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Summary

Built in 1955, this private-owned Earth-type dam provides a storage capacity of 71 acre-feet and serves the community with a normal storage capacity of 52 acre-feet. With a low hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment rating, the dam's structural integrity and risk management measures are essential for safeguarding its surrounding areas.

The Old Jamestown Water Supply dam, with a hydraulic height of 23 feet and a structural height of 27 feet, covers a surface area of 4.5 acres and a drainage area of 3.04 square miles. While it boasts an uncontrolled spillway type, the dam's condition assessment remains unrated as of the last inspection in January 2018. Despite not being state-regulated or permitted, the dam's emergency action plan (EAP) status and risk management measures play a vital role in ensuring the safety and security of the community in case of emergencies.

As water resource and climate enthusiasts, staying informed about the condition and risk assessment of infrastructure like the Old Jamestown Water Supply dam is crucial for understanding its role in the local ecosystem and the potential impacts of climate change. With its historical significance and ongoing maintenance needs, this dam serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between water resource management, infrastructure upkeep, and environmental stewardship in the face of changing climate patterns.

Year Completed

1955

Dam Length

221

River Or Stream

NORTH WHITE OAK CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

4.5

Hydraulic Height

23

Drainage Area

3.04

Nid Storage

71

Structural Height

27

Outlet Gates

None

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

27
       
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.