Big Hill Pond Lake Reservoir Report
Nearby: Smith Cedar Creek
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
Big Hill Pond Lake, located in McNairy County, Tennessee, is a state-regulated dam with a significant hazard potential but a satisfactory condition assessment.
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Summary
Built in 1977, this earth dam stands at a hydraulic height of 31.3 feet and a structural height of 36.3 feet, with a length of 620 feet and a storage capacity of 3,330 acre-feet. The lake covers a surface area of 162 acres and is fed by Dismal Branch, providing a serene natural habitat for wildlife and recreational opportunities for visitors.
Managed by the Tennessee Safe Dams Program, Big Hill Pond Lake is inspected every two years to ensure its safety and compliance with regulatory standards. While the dam does not have a controlled spillway, its uncontrolled spillway type indicates potential risks during periods of high water flow. Despite this, the dam's risk assessment is rated as moderate, highlighting the need for ongoing risk management measures to protect downstream communities and the surrounding environment. For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Big Hill Pond Lake offers a fascinating case study in dam safety and management within the picturesque landscape of Tennessee.
Year Completed |
1977 |
Dam Length |
620 |
River Or Stream |
DISMAL BRANCH |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
162 |
Hydraulic Height |
31.3 |
Drainage Area |
1.94 |
Nid Storage |
3330 |
Structural Height |
36.3 |
Outlet Gates |
None |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Nid Height |
36 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Hatchie River Near Walnut
|
105cfs |
Hatchie River At Bolivar
|
577cfs |
Wolf River At Lagrange
|
170cfs |
Horse Creek Near Savannah
|
63cfs |
Twentymile Creek Nr Guntown
|
7cfs |
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.
Big Hill Pond Lake