Pressmans Home Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 13, 2025

Pressmans Home, located in Camelot, Hawkins County, Tennessee, is a masonry dam constructed in 1938 on Little Poor Valley Creek.


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Summary

With a hydraulic height of 32 feet and a structural height of 38 feet, this dam serves various purposes, including flood control and water storage. It has a normal storage capacity of 211 acre-feet and a maximum storage capacity of 316 acre-feet, covering a surface area of 16.5 acres and draining a 1.94 square mile watershed.

Despite its historical significance and engineering marvel, Pressmans Home has been flagged for its high hazard potential and unsatisfactory condition assessment during the last inspection in November 2020. The dam is under the jurisdiction of the Tennessee Safe Dams Program, which oversees its regulation, inspection, and enforcement. The risk assessment for Pressmans Home is moderate, with a DSAC assigned date pending, indicating the need for continued monitoring and potential risk management measures to ensure the safety and integrity of this vital water resource infrastructure.

Water resource and climate enthusiasts should take note of Pressmans Home as a critical piece of Tennessee's dam infrastructure. Its location, design, and condition paint a compelling picture of the intersection between human engineering and natural water systems. As efforts continue to manage its risk and maintain its functionality, Pressmans Home serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges and responsibilities associated with safeguarding water resources in the face of changing climate conditions.

Year Completed

1938

Dam Length

391

River Or Stream

LITTLE POOR VALLEY CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Masonry

Surface Area

16.5

Hydraulic Height

32

Drainage Area

1.94

Nid Storage

316

Structural Height

38

Outlet Gates

None

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

38
       
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.