Crystal Lake dam
Crystal Lake
Crystal Lake in Hickman, Tennessee is a privately owned reservoir regulated by the Tennessee Safe Dams Program. Constructed in 1989, this earth dam stands at a structural height of 80 feet with a hydraulic height of 73.8 feet, providing a maximum storage capacity of 1756 acre-feet. With a surface area of 55 acres and a drainage area of 0.43 square miles, Crystal Lake serves as a significant water resource in the region.
The dam's spillway type is uncontrolled, and it has been assessed to have a significant hazard potential but is currently in satisfactory condition as of the last inspection in February 2020. The risk assessment for the dam is moderate, with a designated risk rating of 3. The reservoir's primary purpose and associated structures are not specified, but its normal storage capacity is 1382 acre-feet. Despite the moderate risk level, Crystal Lake remains a notable feature for water resource and climate enthusiasts in the area.
While Crystal Lake may not have a designated emergency action plan or inundation maps prepared, its operational status and inspection schedule indicate that it is regularly monitored and maintained. The dam does not have any associated locks or outlet gates, and its location along Tribbeaver Creek adds to its importance in the local watershed. With its satisfactory condition and moderate risk level, Crystal Lake stands as a vital water resource under the oversight of the Tennessee Safe Dams Program, offering both recreational opportunities and a valuable source of water for the region.
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 Crystal Lake -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Piney River At Vernon | 79 cfs | → |
| Duck River At Hwy 100 At Centerville | 528 cfs | → |
| Duck River Above Hurricane Mills | 777 cfs | → |
| Buffalo River Below Lobelville | 457 cfs | → |
| Copperas Branch Near Kingfield | 1 cfs | → |
| Yellow Creek At Ellis Mills | 31 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Crystal Lake.
Boat launches
- Willie Shanes Road 115, Hickman County
- Gaynor Slough Boat Ramp
- Humphreys County
- New Johnsonville Boat Ramp
- Gladden Road Perry County
Campgrounds
- Woodland Shelter
- Montgomery Bell State Park
- Wildcat Shelter
- Tennessee Highway 50 Bicycle-Only Campground, At Milepost 408
- Camp Isengard
- Meriwether Lewis Campground
Track Crystal Lake 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 Crystal Lake
Where does the data for Crystal Lake 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 Significant 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.