Paradise Lake Reservoir Report
Nearby: Lewisburg Reservoir Pigue Brothers
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
Paradise Lake in Marshall, Tennessee is a privately owned earth dam structure located on Thomas Branch, with a satisfactory condition assessment and a low hazard potential.
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Summary
Built in 1900, the dam has a hydraulic height of 19.5 feet and a structural height of 29.5 feet, providing a storage capacity of 105 acre-feet. The normal storage level is 47 acre-feet, covering a surface area of 6 acres and draining a 0.28 square mile watershed.
Managed and regulated by the Tennessee Safe Dams Program, Paradise Lake is subject to state jurisdiction, permitting, inspection, and enforcement. Despite its moderate risk rating, the dam has not undergone recent modifications and lacks certain emergency preparedness measures such as an inundation map or an updated emergency action plan. With an uncontrolled spillway and no outlet gates, the dam's associated structures are limited, and it does not fall under the jurisdiction of the US Army Corps of Engineers.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Paradise Lake presents an intriguing case study in dam safety and risk management. With its historical significance and relatively modest size, this privately owned structure serves as a reminder of the importance of regular inspections, maintenance, and emergency preparedness in safeguarding our water resources and communities from potential hazards associated with aging infrastructure.
Year Completed |
1900 |
Dam Length |
285 |
River Or Stream |
THOMAS BRANCH |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
6 |
Hydraulic Height |
19.5 |
Drainage Area |
0.28 |
Nid Storage |
105 |
Structural Height |
29.5 |
Outlet Gates |
None |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
30 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Big Rock Cr At Double Bridges
|
3cfs |
Fountain Creek Near Fountain Heights
|
3cfs |
Duck River Above Milltown
|
627cfs |
Duck River At Columbia
|
785cfs |
Cane Creek Near Howell
|
0cfs |
Duck River Near Shelbyville
|
339cfs |
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.
Paradise Lake