Shack Lake Reservoir Report
Nearby: Drew New Shoal Creek
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Shack Lake, located in Fairview, Tennessee, is a private earth dam structure built in 1949 on Mabry Branch.
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Summary
With a hydraulic height of 16.8 feet and a structural height of 19.4 feet, this dam serves as a water resource for the surrounding area, providing a storage capacity of 57 acre-feet. The lake has a surface area of 6.1 acres and a drainage area of 0.48 square miles, making it a vital source of water for the region.
Despite being classified as having a low hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment, Shack Lake has not been rated for its condition. The dam does not have outlet gates and has an uncontrolled spillway type. While it has not undergone recent modifications, it is inspected every five years to ensure its safety and functionality. The dam's emergency action plan status, inundation maps, and risk management measures are currently unknown, highlighting potential areas for improvement in terms of preparedness and response in case of emergencies.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Shack Lake serves as an interesting case study in the management of a private dam structure. Its historical significance, storage capacity, and risk assessment provide valuable insights into the complexities of maintaining water resources in a changing climate. As efforts continue to assess and improve the safety and functionality of dams like Shack Lake, it underscores the importance of proactive monitoring and management strategies to ensure the resilience of water infrastructure in the face of evolving environmental challenges.
Year Completed |
1949 |
Dam Length |
300 |
River Or Stream |
MABRY BRANCH |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
6.1 |
Hydraulic Height |
16.8 |
Drainage Area |
0.48 |
Nid Storage |
57 |
Structural Height |
19.4 |
Outlet Gates |
None |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
19 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Shoal Creek At Iron City
|
422cfs |
Elk River At Prospect
|
2960cfs |
Cypress Creek Near Florence Al
|
152cfs |
Big Nance Creek At Courtland Al
|
51cfs |
Buffalo River Near Flat Woods
|
443cfs |
Fountain Creek Near Fountain Heights
|
3cfs |
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.
Shack Lake