Black & Decker Lake Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 7, 2025

Black & Decker Lake, located in Madison, Tennessee, is a privately owned dam regulated by the Tennessee Safe Dams Program.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

The dam, completed in 1965, is an earth dam standing at a height of 7.7 feet and with a hydraulic height of 5.4 feet. It serves the primary purpose of water storage, with a capacity of 59 acre-feet and a normal storage level of 42 acre-feet. The lake covers an area of 8.4 acres and is fed by the Forked Deer River.

Despite being classified as low hazard potential, the dam at Black & Decker Lake is in satisfactory condition as of the last inspection in December 2019. The dam has an uncontrolled spillway and no outlet gates. The risk assessment for the dam is moderate, with a rating of 3 out of 5. The dam is subject to regular inspections every 3 years to ensure its safety and compliance with regulations. Overall, Black & Decker Lake provides a vital water resource for the local area while maintaining a moderate level of risk management measures.

Year Completed

1965

Dam Length

1100

River Or Stream

FORKED DEER RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

8.4

Hydraulic Height

5.4

Nid Storage

59

Structural Height

7.7

Outlet Gates

None

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

8
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

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. 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

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, 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.