Walter Hill Lake Reservoir Report
Nearby: Mathews Nissan Detention Pond
Last Updated: December 11, 2025
Located in Walterhill, Tennessee, Walter Hill Lake is a concrete dam that was completed in 1918 along the East Fork Stones River.
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Summary
With a structural height of 14 feet and a storage capacity of 300 acre-feet, this reservoir covers 50 acres and serves as a significant source of water for the surrounding area. Despite its historical significance and essential role in water resource management, the dam's condition assessment is currently marked as unsatisfactory, posing a significant hazard potential.
Managed by the Tennessee Safe Dams Program, Walter Hill Lake is subject to regular state inspection, permitting, and enforcement to ensure the safety and integrity of the structure. The dam's spillway type is classified as uncontrolled, and it has no outlet gates. While the risk assessment for the dam is moderate, efforts to address the unsatisfactory condition and mitigate potential hazards are crucial for the continued protection of the local community and water resources. As a beloved local landmark, Walter Hill Lake stands as a testament to the intersection of water resource management and climate resilience in Tennessee.
With its rich history dating back over a century, Walter Hill Lake serves as a vital water resource for the residents of Rutherford County. As climate change continues to impact water availability and quality, the importance of maintaining and enhancing the infrastructure of dams like Walter Hill Lake becomes increasingly evident. By prioritizing safety, regulatory compliance, and risk management measures, stakeholders can ensure the long-term sustainability of this essential water source for generations to come.
Year Completed |
1918 |
Dam Length |
195 |
River Or Stream |
EAST FORK STONES RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Concrete |
Surface Area |
50 |
Hydraulic Height |
14 |
Drainage Area |
0.46 |
Nid Storage |
300 |
Structural Height |
14 |
Outlet Gates |
None |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Nid Height |
14 |
Seasonal Comparison
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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.
Walter Hill Lake
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