Sycamore Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Pine Dam Lost Creek Dam
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Sycamore Dam, also known as Dry Branch Dam or Sycamore Lake, is a federal-owned structure located in Henderson, Tennessee.
°F
°F
mph
Wind
%
Humidity
Summary
Built in 1965 by the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), this earth-type dam stands at a height of 27 feet and spans a length of 980 feet. With a primary purpose of flood risk reduction, Sycamore Dam also serves for irrigation and recreational activities in the region.
The dam has a storage capacity of 2820 acre-feet and a maximum discharge rate of 2466 cubic feet per second. It features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 150 feet and is primarily regulated and operated by the TVA. Despite being classified as having a significant hazard potential, the condition assessment of Sycamore Dam is currently not available. Emergency action plans have been developed and revised periodically, ensuring the safety and security of surrounding communities in case of a potential risk event.
Overall, Sycamore Dam plays a crucial role in managing water resources and mitigating flood risks in the area. With its strategic location on Dry Branch stream and the Tennessee River watershed, the dam continues to be a vital infrastructure asset for the region, under the stewardship of the Tennessee Valley Authority.
Year Completed |
1965 |
Dam Length |
980 |
Dam Height |
27 |
River Or Stream |
DRY BRANCH |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
224 |
Hydraulic Height |
26 |
Drainage Area |
2.8 |
Nid Storage |
2820 |
Structural Height |
27 |
Outlet Gates |
Other Controlled, Slide (sluice gate) |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
27 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
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.
Sycamore Dam