Fort Pillow Reservoir Report
Nearby: Teal Pond Dam Blankenship
Last Updated: December 12, 2025
Fort Pillow, located in Lauderdale, Tennessee, is a local government-owned earth dam along the Hatchie River, designed by the USDA NRCS and completed in 1967.
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Summary
With a primary purpose of recreation, this dam stands at a structural height of 20.1 feet and a hydraulic height of 15 feet, providing a storage capacity of 284 acre-feet and covering a surface area of 25 acres. Despite having a low hazard potential and a satisfactory condition assessment, Fort Pillow is regulated by the Tennessee Safe Dams Program, with state permitting, inspection, and enforcement in place to ensure its safety and compliance.
Managed by the Memphis District of the USACE, Fort Pillow has an uncontrolled spillway type and no outlet gates, with a drainage area of 0.64 square miles. The dam's risk assessment is moderate, and it undergoes inspections every three years, with the last assessment conducted in February 2019. The dam's location in a recreational area makes it a focal point for water resource and climate enthusiasts who appreciate its role in providing outdoor activities and water-based recreation opportunities in the region. With its historical significance and environmental impact, Fort Pillow serves as a valuable asset for the community and a vital component of the local water infrastructure.
Year Completed |
1967 |
Dam Length |
465 |
River Or Stream |
HATCHIE RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
25 |
Hydraulic Height |
15 |
Drainage Area |
0.64 |
Nid Storage |
284 |
Structural Height |
20.1 |
Outlet Gates |
None |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
20 |
Seasonal Comparison
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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.
Fort Pillow