Barker Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Barker, located in Sequatchie County, Tennessee, is a private earth dam built in 1972 on the Sequatchie River.


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Summary

With a hydraulic height of 18 feet and a structural height of 20 feet, the dam has a storage capacity of 77 acre-feet and a surface area of 8.3 acres. Despite its low hazard potential and moderate risk assessment rating of 3, Barker has not been inspected since July 2019 and is currently not rated for its condition.

The dam features an uncontrolled spillway and no outlet gates, with a drainage area of 0.2 square miles. Although Barker is not state-regulated and does not have a state inspection or enforcement mechanism in place, it serves a vital role in water resource management in the area. The dam's primary purpose and associated structures are not specified, but its presence contributes to the overall water management infrastructure in the region.

As a key feature in the watershed, Barker plays a crucial role in flood control and water storage for the surrounding community. Its location in the Nashville District and proximity to the city of Whitewell make it a significant asset in the region's water resource management efforts. While its condition assessment and emergency preparedness measures are lacking, Barker remains a valuable resource for maintaining the environmental and hydrological balance in the area.

Year Completed

1972

Dam Length

392

River Or Stream

SEQUATCHIE RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

8.3

Hydraulic Height

18

Drainage Area

0.2

Nid Storage

77

Structural Height

20

Outlet Gates

None

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

20
       
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.