John Graham Reservoir Report
Nearby: Duncan Lake Brown Creek
Last Updated: December 12, 2025
John Graham is a state-regulated dam located in Madison, Tennessee, along the Brown Creek.
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Summary
Managed by the Tennessee Safe Dams Program, this earth dam stands at a structural height of 51 feet with a hydraulic height of 38 feet. Completed in 1981, it boasts a storage capacity of 13,841 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 439 acres, serving a drainage area of 9.12 square miles.
With a high hazard potential and a satisfactory condition assessment as of January 2021, John Graham is equipped with an uncontrolled spillway and no outlet gates. Despite its moderate risk rating, the dam has not been modified in recent years and is subject to regular inspections by the state regulatory agency. Its emergency action plan status and risk management measures are currently unspecified, suggesting a potential area for improvement in ensuring the safety and resilience of this crucial water resource infrastructure.
Located within the Memphis District and overseen by the Tennessee state government, John Graham represents a vital component of the region's water resource management infrastructure. Its role in flood control and water storage underscores the importance of ongoing monitoring and maintenance to mitigate risks and safeguard against potential hazards, highlighting the intersection of water resource management and climate resilience for enthusiasts in the field.
Year Completed |
1981 |
Dam Length |
1000 |
River Or Stream |
BROWN CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
439 |
Hydraulic Height |
38 |
Drainage Area |
9.12 |
Nid Storage |
13841 |
Structural Height |
51 |
Outlet Gates |
None |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Nid Height |
51 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
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.
John Graham