Dogwood Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Dogwood Dam, also known as Big Creek Dam or Dogwood Lake, is a Federal-owned structure located in Henderson, Tennessee, along Big Creek.


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Summary

Constructed in 1965 by the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), the dam stands at a height of 34 feet and has a length of 1890 feet. Its primary purpose is flood risk reduction, but it also serves for irrigation and recreation. The dam has a storage capacity of 7100 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 5510 acre-feet and a surface area of 447 acres.

Managed and regulated by the TVA, Dogwood Dam features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 200 feet and outlet gates for controlled water release. The dam has a significant hazard potential and undergoes inspections every two years to ensure its structural integrity. While its risk assessment is moderate, the dam lacks detailed risk management measures and emergency action plans. Despite these challenges, Dogwood Dam remains a vital structure for water resource management in the region and a key player in mitigating flood risks along Big Creek.

Year Completed

1965

Dam Length

1890

Dam Height

34

River Or Stream

BIG CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

447

Hydraulic Height

33

Drainage Area

5

Nid Storage

7100

Structural Height

34

Outlet Gates

Other Controlled, Slide (sluice gate)

Hazard Potential

Significant

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

34
       
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.