Barker Branch dam
Barker Branch
Located in Henderson, Tennessee, Barker Branch is a state-regulated earth dam built in 1986 on the Middle Fork Forked Deer River. With a hydraulic height of 5.5 feet and a structural height of 32 feet, this dam boasts a storage capacity of 980 acre-feet and serves a drainage area of 0.5 square miles. Despite its uncontrolled spillway type and low hazard potential, Barker Branch is regularly inspected by the Tennessee Safe Dams Program, with its last assessment in August 2019 revealing a satisfactory condition.
Managed by the Nashville District of the US Army Corps of Engineers, Barker Branch is a vital component of the local water resource infrastructure, providing flood control and water storage capabilities. The dam's moderate risk assessment of 3 underscores the importance of ongoing monitoring and maintenance to ensure its continued effectiveness in mitigating potential risks. With its location in a scenic area of Tennessee, Barker Branch serves as a beacon for water resource and climate enthusiasts interested in the intersection of infrastructure and environmental stewardship.
As climate change continues to impact water resources across the globe, structures like Barker Branch play a crucial role in managing the effects of extreme weather events and safeguarding communities downstream. By adhering to state regulations and undergoing regular inspections, Barker Branch exemplifies the commitment to safety and sustainability that is essential in the management of dams and other critical water infrastructure. For those passionate about water resources and climate resilience, Barker Branch stands as a testament to the importance of proactive management practices in the face of a changing climate.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
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, environmental 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.
Plan around the weather
Same NOAA / yr.no feed Snoflo's iOS app uses. Watch the precipitation column on the meteogram -- rain on the basin upstream typically lifts inflow 24-72 hours later.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind. Each cell is colour-coded relative to the column min/max.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
Nearby streamflow gauges
USGS streamgauges around Barker Branch -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Middle Fork Forked Deer River Near Fairview | 81 cfs | → |
| Crooked Creek Near Huntingdon | 38 cfs | → |
| Big Sandy River At Bruceton | 70 cfs | → |
| South Fork Obion River Near Greenfield | 154 cfs | → |
| Cypress Creek At Camden | 0 cfs | → |
| South Fork Forked Deer River Near Owl City | 336 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Barker Branch.
Campgrounds
Paddle runs
Track Barker Branch in the Snoflo app
Save this dam as a favorite and get the local NOAA / yr.no forecast plus regional flow context wherever you are.
About Barker Branch
Where does the data for Barker Branch come from?
Structural and regulatory data come from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' National Inventory of Dams (NID). Weather forecast comes from NOAA / yr.no -- the same feed Snoflo's iOS app uses.
How often is the report updated?
NID structural data refreshes annually as the Corps publishes updated assessments. The weather forecast refreshes throughout the day.
What does the Low hazard rating mean?
The Corps of Engineers' hazard potential classification grades probable consequences if the dam fails: High = probable loss of human life; Significant = no probable loss of human life but possible economic loss / environmental damage; Low = no probable loss of human life, only minor economic / environmental losses. See the Dam Data Reference card above for the full definitions.
What's "% of normal"?
The current storage value compared to the historical average storage on this calendar day. 100% = right on average; values above 100% mean above-normal storage (wet year); values below mean below-normal (dry year or drought).
Can I get alerts when storage crosses a threshold?
Yes -- alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this dam, set a threshold, and you'll get a push the moment conditions cross.
Other water bodies near here
Snoflo-tracked reservoirs and dams within driving distance of Barker Branch.