Dettwiller Reservoir Report
Nearby: Simmons Simmons #2
Last Updated: December 10, 2025
Dettwiller is a privately owned earth dam located in Humphreys, Tennessee, specifically on Buckthorn Branch.
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Summary
Completed in 2002, this dam serves multiple purposes including fire protection, stock, and a small fish pond, with a storage capacity of 70 acre-feet. The dam stands at a height of 20 feet with a hydraulic height of 18.5 feet and a length of 250 feet, covering a surface area of 7.7 acres and draining an area of 0.19 square miles. Despite not being state regulated or inspected, Dettwiller poses a high hazard potential and is classified as moderate risk.
The dam's design features an uncontrolled spillway and has an inspection frequency of 5 years, with the last inspection conducted in February 2016. While the condition assessment is currently not rated, the emergency action plan (EAP) status and risk management measures are not specified. With its risk level classified as moderate and a high hazard potential, Dettwiller presents an intriguing case study for water resource and climate enthusiasts interested in the management and safety of earth dams in rural areas. Further research and evaluation may be needed to assess the long-term sustainability and resilience of this structure in the face of changing climate conditions.
Year Completed |
2002 |
Dam Length |
250 |
River Or Stream |
BUCKTHORN BRANCH |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
7.7 |
Hydraulic Height |
18.5 |
Drainage Area |
0.19 |
Nid Storage |
70 |
Structural Height |
20 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Nid Height |
20 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Duck River Above Hurricane Mills
|
2800cfs |
Piney River At Vernon
|
102cfs |
Yellow Creek At Ellis Mills
|
43cfs |
Duck River At Hwy 100 At Centerville
|
2270cfs |
Buffalo River Below Lobelville
|
571cfs |
Harpeth River Near Kingston Springs
|
494cfs |
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.
Dettwiller