Brier Branch Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Brier Branch is a private earth dam located in Sequatchie, Tennessee, with a primary purpose that remains unspecified.


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Summary

Completed in 1989, this dam stands at a height of 26 feet and has a hydraulic height of 20 feet, providing a storage capacity of 246 acre-feet. The dam overlooks the Alex Branch river or stream and serves as a vital resource for water management in the region.

Managed by the Tennessee Safe Dams Program, Brier Branch dam has a low hazard potential and is currently in satisfactory condition as of the last assessment in November 2018. Despite its moderate risk level of 3, the dam is regularly inspected every three years to ensure its structural integrity and safety. With a drainage area of 0.69 square miles and a surface area of 18 acres, Brier Branch plays a crucial role in the local water resource management and climate resilience efforts in the area.

While Brier Branch dam does not have associated locks or outlet gates, its uncontrolled spillway type ensures proper water flow regulation in case of emergencies. With its serene location and essential role in water storage and management, Brier Branch stands as a testament to sustainable infrastructure development and responsible environmental stewardship in Tennessee's water resource sector.

Year Completed

1989

Dam Length

400

River Or Stream

ALEX BRANCH

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

18

Hydraulic Height

20

Drainage Area

0.69

Nid Storage

246

Structural Height

26

Outlet Gates

None

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

26
       
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.