Little Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Goose Lake Dam Quail Hollow Lake Dam
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Little Lake Dam, located in Haywood, Tennessee, is a federal-owned structure managed by the Fish and Wildlife Service.
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Summary
Built in 1967, this earth dam stands at a height of 23 feet and serves as a reservoir for fish and wildlife preservation, with a storage capacity of 69 acre-feet. The dam is situated on a tributary to the Hatchie River and covers a surface area of 2 acres, providing essential habitat and environmental benefits to the surrounding area.
Despite its low hazard potential, the dam's condition assessment in 2016 indicated poor maintenance, raising concerns about its long-term stability and functionality. The inspection frequency is set at 5 years, with the last evaluation conducted in August 2016. The primary purpose of the dam is to support fish and wildlife pond activities, and it serves as a critical resource for the conservation efforts in the region. With a maximum discharge capacity of 822 cubic feet per second and a spillway width of 93 feet, the dam plays a crucial role in managing water resources and protecting the ecosystem.
As water resource and climate enthusiasts, understanding the significance of Little Lake Dam in the context of habitat conservation and environmental management is paramount. The dam's role in providing essential water storage for wildlife, its location on a tributary to the Hatchie River, and its federal ownership by the Fish and Wildlife Service highlight its importance in sustaining the ecosystem. However, the dam's poor condition assessment underscores the need for ongoing maintenance and monitoring to ensure its continued functionality and safety for both wildlife and the surrounding community.
Year Completed |
1967 |
Dam Length |
340 |
Dam Height |
23 |
River Or Stream |
TRIBUTARY TO HATCHIE RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
2 |
Hydraulic Height |
23 |
Drainage Area |
0.1 |
Nid Storage |
69 |
Structural Height |
23 |
Outlet Gates |
Slide (sluice gate) |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
23 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Hatchie River At Bolivar
|
933cfs |
South Fork Forked Deer River Near Owl City
|
524cfs |
Middle Fork Forked Deer River Near Fairview
|
164cfs |
Hatchie River At Rialto
|
1080cfs |
Loosahatchie River Near Arlington
|
122cfs |
Wolf River At Lagrange
|
223cfs |
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.
Little Lake Dam