Milky Way Reservoir Report
Nearby: Clear Creek Echo
Last Updated: December 12, 2025
Milky Way, located in Giles, Tennessee, is a privately owned dam regulated by the Tennessee Safe Dams Program.
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Summary
Built in 1965, this earth dam sits on TribRicHLand Creek with a hydraulic height of 25.4 feet and a structural height of 27.9 feet. With a storage capacity of 59 acre-feet and a surface area of 4.6 acres, Milky Way serves as a vital water resource for the surrounding area.
Despite being classified as having a low hazard potential, Milky Way has a moderate risk assessment rating. The dam has not been rated for its condition assessment, but it undergoes inspections every three years to ensure its integrity. With no emergency action plan in place and no inundation maps prepared, there may be room for improvement in terms of emergency preparedness and risk management for this important water structure.
While Milky Way currently meets regulatory requirements and is in operation, there is potential for enhancing its risk management measures and emergency preparedness. As a key component of the water infrastructure in the area, ensuring the safety and stability of Milky Way is crucial for both water resource management and climate resilience efforts in Giles, Tennessee.
Year Completed |
1965 |
Dam Length |
544 |
River Or Stream |
TRIBRICHLAND CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
4.6 |
Hydraulic Height |
25.4 |
Drainage Area |
0.25 |
Nid Storage |
59 |
Structural Height |
27.9 |
Outlet Gates |
None |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
28 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Fountain Creek Near Fountain Heights
|
3cfs |
Duck River At Columbia
|
785cfs |
Elk River At Prospect
|
2470cfs |
Big Rock Cr At Double Bridges
|
3cfs |
Duck River Above Milltown
|
627cfs |
Cane Creek Near Howell
|
0cfs |
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.
Milky Way