Middle Fork Obion #3 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 13, 2025

Middle Fork Obion #3, also known as Middle Fork Obion Dam 3, is a local government-owned structure in Sharon, Henry County, Tennessee.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

Built in 1968 by the USDA NRCS, this earth-type dam serves the primary purpose of flood risk reduction along the Middle Fork Obion River. With a hydraulic height of 11 feet and a structural height of 25.5 feet, the dam has a storage capacity of 593 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 17 acres.

Managed and regulated by the Tennessee Safe Dams Program, Middle Fork Obion #3 has a low hazard potential and a satisfactory condition assessment as of the last inspection in November 2020. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway type and has no outlet gates or associated structures. Despite its moderate risk assessment rating, the dam meets regulatory guidelines and is subject to regular inspections every three years to ensure its safety and effectiveness in mitigating flood risks in the region. Water resource and climate enthusiasts can appreciate the vital role Middle Fork Obion #3 plays in protecting the local community from potential flooding events along the Middle Fork Obion River.

Year Completed

1968

Dam Length

675

River Or Stream

MIDDLE FORK OBION RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

17

Hydraulic Height

11

Drainage Area

1.59

Nid Storage

593

Structural Height

25.5

Outlet Gates

None

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

26
       
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.