Twin Springs Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Twin Springs is a private dam located in McNairy, Tennessee, along the Joplin Branch river.
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Summary
Built in 1977, this earth dam stands at a structural height of 33.4 feet and has a hydraulic height of 29 feet. With a storage capacity of 272 acre-feet, it serves the primary purpose of water resource management in the area. The dam is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced by the Tennessee Safe Dams Program, ensuring its safety and compliance with state regulations.
Despite its satisfactory condition assessment in 2019, Twin Springs poses a significant hazard potential due to its location and design. However, the risk assessment for this dam is moderate, indicating a level 3 risk based on current evaluations. The emergency action plan status and risk management measures for Twin Springs are not specified in the available data, raising questions about the preparedness and response protocols in case of a potential dam failure. As water resource and climate enthusiasts, monitoring and advocating for the safety and maintenance of dams like Twin Springs is crucial to protect communities and ecosystems downstream.
As part of the Nashville District, Twin Springs is overseen by the Tennessee Safe Dams Program and falls under the jurisdiction of the state regulatory agency. While the dam has a spillway type of "Uncontrolled" and no associated locks or outlet gates, its last inspection in November 2019 indicated a satisfactory condition. With a drainage area of 0.51 square miles and a surface area of 19 acres, Twin Springs plays a vital role in water management and flood control in the region. As advocates for sustainable water resource management, it is essential to stay informed about the maintenance and monitoring of dams like Twin Springs to ensure their continued safety and functionality.
Year Completed |
1977 |
Dam Length |
540 |
River Or Stream |
JOPLIN BRANCH |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
19 |
Hydraulic Height |
29 |
Drainage Area |
0.51 |
Nid Storage |
272 |
Structural Height |
33.4 |
Outlet Gates |
None |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Nid Height |
33 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Horse Creek Near Savannah
|
87cfs |
Hatchie River Near Walnut
|
153cfs |
Hatchie River At Bolivar
|
944cfs |
Wolf River At Lagrange
|
227cfs |
Middle Fork Forked Deer River Near Fairview
|
166cfs |
Bear Creek At Bishop
|
4330cfs |
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.
Twin Springs