New Carmel Reservoir Report
Nearby: Hughes Creek Spring Creek
Last Updated: December 10, 2025
New Carmel is a state-regulated dam located in Madison, Tennessee, along the Middle Fork Forked Deer River.
°F
°F
mph
Wind
%
Humidity
Summary
Built in 1984, this earth dam stands at a structural height of 27.2 feet with a hydraulic height of 13.1 feet, serving a critical purpose in water resource management. With a storage capacity of 145 acre-feet and a surface area of 7 acres, New Carmel plays a vital role in flood control and water storage in the region.
Managed by the Tennessee Safe Dams Program, New Carmel has a low hazard potential and is deemed to be in satisfactory condition as of the last assessment in 2018. Despite its moderate risk assessment, the dam has not undergone any significant modifications in recent years and is regularly inspected to ensure its structural integrity. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway and does not have outlet gates, emphasizing the importance of effective monitoring and maintenance practices to mitigate potential risks associated with its operation.
Overall, New Carmel serves as a key infrastructure component for water resource management in the area, providing essential flood protection and water storage capabilities. With its state-regulated status and regular inspections, the dam exemplifies the commitment to ensuring public safety and environmental sustainability in the face of changing climate patterns and water resource challenges. As a vital asset under the jurisdiction of the Tennessee Safe Dams Program, New Carmel stands as a testament to effective dam management practices in the region.
Year Completed |
1984 |
Dam Length |
450 |
River Or Stream |
MIDDLE FORK FORKED DEER R |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
7 |
Hydraulic Height |
13.1 |
Drainage Area |
0.41 |
Nid Storage |
145 |
Structural Height |
27.2 |
Outlet Gates |
None |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
27 |
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.
New Carmel