Vfw Lake dam
Vfw Lake
Vfw Lake, located in Lawrence, Tennessee, is a state-regulated dam under the supervision of the Tennessee Safe Dams Program. Built in 1951, this earth dam stands at a hydraulic height of 45.5 feet and a structural height of 50.3 feet, with a length of 485 feet. The lake has a normal storage capacity of 353 acre-feet and a total storage capacity of 467 acre-feet, serving as a vital water resource in the region.
With a low hazard potential and a satisfactory condition assessment, Vfw Lake is considered to have a moderate risk level. The dam is inspected every three years, with the last assessment conducted in April 2020. Despite its uncontrolled spillway type, the dam is well-maintained and meets regulatory guidelines, ensuring the safety of the surrounding community. Water resource and climate enthusiasts can appreciate the ecological significance of Vfw Lake in maintaining the local water supply and supporting the surrounding ecosystem.
As one of the key structures in the area, Vfw Lake plays a critical role in water management and flood control along Weaver Branch. Its strategic location and design make it a valuable asset for the state of Tennessee, providing not only water storage but also recreational opportunities for residents and visitors. With a dedicated regulatory agency overseeing its operations and maintenance, Vfw Lake stands as a testament to responsible dam management in the face of changing climate conditions.
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 Vfw Lake -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Buffalo River Near Flat Woods | 283 cfs | → |
| Shoal Creek At Iron City | 239 cfs | → |
| Duck River At Hwy 100 At Centerville | 597 cfs | → |
| Duck River At Columbia | 224 cfs | → |
| Fountain Creek Near Fountain Heights | 3 cfs | → |
| Buffalo River Below Lobelville | 496 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Vfw Lake.
Boat launches
- Gladden Road Perry County
- Vales Mill Road 1300-1368, Pulaski
- Old Ferry Road 4232, Bath Springs
- River Trail Maury County
Campgrounds
- Laurel Hill Lake - Twra
- David Crockett State Park
- Meriwether Lewis
- Meriwether Lewis Campground
- Tennessee Highway 50 Bicycle-Only Campground, At Milepost 408
Fishing spots
Track Vfw 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 Vfw Lake
Where does the data for Vfw 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 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 Vfw Lake.