Summary
Completed in 1976, this earth dam on Spring Creek stands at a height of 23 feet and has a hydraulic height of 17.5 feet. With a storage capacity of 373 acre-feet, Old Hickory Dam covers a surface area of 28 acres and drains a 0.55 square mile watershed.
Despite being classified as having a high hazard potential, Old Hickory Dam is in satisfactory condition according to its most recent inspection in April 2020. The dam is equipped with an uncontrolled spillway and does not have outlet gates. With its risk level assessed as moderate, Old Hickory Dam serves as a crucial infrastructure for water resource management in the region. Although there have been no reported modifications in recent years, regular inspections and enforcement by state regulatory agencies ensure the safety and integrity of this vital structure.
Old Hickory Dam plays a key role in water storage and flood control in Hardeman County, Tennessee. While owned and operated privately, the dam is subject to state jurisdiction and oversight. With its strategic location on Spring Creek and its effective risk management measures, Old Hickory Dam continues to serve as a reliable component of the local water resource infrastructure, contributing to the sustainable management of water and climate resilience in the region.
Year Completed |
1976 |
Dam Length |
630 |
River Or Stream |
SPRING CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
28 |
Hydraulic Height |
17.5 |
Drainage Area |
0.55 |
Nid Storage |
373 |
Structural Height |
23 |
Outlet Gates |
None |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Nid Height |
23 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Wolf River At Lagrange
|
223cfs |
Hatchie River Near Walnut
|
172cfs |
Hatchie River At Bolivar
|
933cfs |
Wolf River At Rossville
|
508cfs |
Loosahatchie River Near Arlington
|
122cfs |
Little Tallahatchie River At Etta
|
220cfs |
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.
Old Hickory