Watts Bar Nuclear Holding Pond Reservoir Report
Nearby: Lake Pomeroy Malvern
Last Updated: December 14, 2025
The Watts Bar Nuclear Holding Pond, also known as the Temporary Holding Pond, is a federal-owned structure located in Spring City, Tennessee.
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Summary
Built in 1975 by the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), this Earth-type dam stands at a height of 20 feet with a length of 300 feet, providing flood risk reduction along the Tennessee River offstream. With a storage capacity of 190 acre-feet, the pond primarily serves the purpose of flood risk reduction and has a low hazard potential.
Managed and funded by the Tennessee Valley Authority, the Watts Bar Nuclear Holding Pond has not been modified since its completion and features uncontrolled outlet gates. Despite a high risk assessment rating of 2, the structure is in good condition, as condition assessment data is not available. Regular inspections are conducted every 3 years to ensure the integrity and safety of the pond, with the last inspection occurring in February 2020. While the pond does not have a spillway, it remains a key component of the flood risk reduction infrastructure in the area.
Overall, the Watts Bar Nuclear Holding Pond plays a crucial role in mitigating flood risks in Cumberland County, Tennessee, under the jurisdiction of the Nashville District of the US Army Corps of Engineers. As climate change continues to impact water resources and extreme weather events become more frequent, structures like the Watts Bar Nuclear Holding Pond are essential for protecting communities and infrastructure from potential flooding. With its strategic location and design, this pond serves as a vital asset in safeguarding the surrounding area from the impacts of rising water levels and enhancing overall water resource management efforts.
Year Completed |
1975 |
Dam Length |
300 |
Dam Height |
20 |
River Or Stream |
TENNESSEE RIVER - OFFSTREAM |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
4 |
Nid Storage |
190 |
Outlet Gates |
Uncontrolled |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
20 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Daddys Creek Near Hebbertsburg
|
71cfs |
Clear Creek At Lilly Bridge Near Lancing
|
122cfs |
Obed River Near Lancing
|
365cfs |
Emory River At Oakdale
|
491cfs |
Clear Fork Near Robbins
|
182cfs |
Sewee Creek Near Decatur
|
28cfs |
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.
Watts Bar Nuclear Holding Pond
Center Bridge To Cumberland-Morgan County Line