Big Piney Reservoir Report
Nearby: Crystal Lake Wilder
Last Updated: December 12, 2025
Big Piney is a privately owned dam located in Hickman, Tennessee, near the city of Nunnelly.
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Summary
Constructed in 1990, this earth dam stands at a structural height of 38.7 feet with a hydraulic height of 33.6 feet, impounding a maximum storage of 83 acre-feet of water from the TRIBBEAVER CREEK. The dam boasts a surface area of 4.8 acres and serves the important function of flood control in the region.
Managed by the Tennessee Safe Dams Program, Big Piney is classified as a significant hazard potential dam with a satisfactory condition assessment as of the last inspection in February 2020. With a moderate risk rating, the dam has an inspection frequency of 2 years to ensure its continued safety and functionality. Despite being uncontrolled, the dam's spillway has a width of 0 feet and is designed to handle potential overflow events effectively.
Big Piney plays a crucial role in water resource management in the area, providing essential flood protection and storage capacity for the surrounding community. As a key component of Tennessee's dam infrastructure, the dam is closely monitored and regulated to ensure its continued ability to safeguard the region from potential water-related risks.
Year Completed |
1990 |
Dam Length |
458 |
River Or Stream |
TRIBBEAVER CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
4.8 |
Hydraulic Height |
33.6 |
Drainage Area |
0.11 |
Nid Storage |
83 |
Structural Height |
38.7 |
Outlet Gates |
None |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Nid Height |
39 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Piney River At Vernon
|
94cfs |
Duck River At Hwy 100 At Centerville
|
1470cfs |
Duck River Above Hurricane Mills
|
1950cfs |
Buffalo River Below Lobelville
|
514cfs |
Copperas Branch Near Kingfield
|
1cfs |
Harpeth River Near Kingston Springs
|
336cfs |
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.
Big Piney