Idlewild Reservoir Report
Nearby: Hayes Creswell Lake#25
Last Updated: January 10, 2026
Idlewild is a state-regulated dam located in Gibson, Tennessee, along Bear Creek.
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Summary
Completed in 1984, this earth dam stands at a structural height of 16 feet and stretches 600 feet in length. With a storage capacity of 200 acre-feet, it serves the primary purpose of water resource management in the area.
Managed by the Tennessee Safe Dams Program, Idlewild has been deemed to have significant hazard potential, although its condition assessment as of July 2020 was rated as satisfactory. The dam operates with an uncontrolled spillway type and has no outlet gates. In the event of an emergency, the dam is inspected every two years to ensure its safety and compliance with regulatory standards.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Idlewild presents an intriguing case study in dam infrastructure management. As a key element in the water management system of Gibson, Tennessee, its risk potential and regulatory oversight offer valuable insights into the intersection of water resource management, climate resilience, and dam safety protocols.
Year Completed |
1984 |
Dam Length |
600 |
River Or Stream |
BEAR CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Drainage Area |
0.45 |
Nid Storage |
200 |
Structural Height |
16 |
Outlet Gates |
None |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Nid Height |
16 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
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.
Idlewild