Estes Kefauver Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Estes Kefauver, also known as Madisonville Lake Dam, is a recreational Earth dam located in Monroe, Tennessee.


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Summary

Built in 1975 by the USDA NRCS, this dam stands at a structural height of 24.3 feet and has a hydraulic height of 19.4 feet. With a storage capacity of 105 acre-feet, it primarily serves the purpose of recreation and covers a surface area of 13.2 acres.

Managed by the Tennessee Safe Dams Program, Estes Kefauver is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced by state authorities to ensure its safety and compliance with regulations. Its condition assessment in September 2020 deemed it satisfactory, with a significant hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment rating of 3. Despite its uncontrolled spillway type, this dam has no associated locks and is equipped with outlet gates for water release if necessary.

Water resource and climate enthusiasts will appreciate the detailed information available on Estes Kefauver, showcasing the importance of responsible dam management for recreational purposes. This dam's location on Carson Branch in Madisonville, Tennessee, highlights the intersection of human-made structures with natural waterways, underscoring the need for ongoing monitoring and risk management to ensure the safety of both the dam and the surrounding environment.

Year Completed

1975

Dam Length

438

River Or Stream

CARSON BRANCH

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

13.2

Hydraulic Height

19.4

Drainage Area

0.93

Nid Storage

105

Structural Height

24.3

Outlet Gates

None

Hazard Potential

Significant

Foundations

Rock, Soil

Nid Height

24
       
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.