Too Lazy To Farm Reservoir Report
Nearby: Camp Haiyaka Lake Johnson
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
Too Lazy To Farm is a privately owned earth dam located in Shelby, Tennessee, along the Big Creek Drainage Canal.
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Summary
Built in 1957, the dam stands at a hydraulic height of 16.2 feet and a structural height of 18.7 feet, with a length of 795 feet. It has a normal storage capacity of 61 acre-feet and a maximum storage of 84 acre-feet, covering a surface area of 10 acres and draining an area of 0.08 square miles.
Despite being unregulated by the state, the dam poses a significant hazard potential with a moderate risk assessment. It features an uncontrolled spillway and no outlet gates, making it crucial for emergency preparedness and risk management. The last inspection in December 2020 deemed the dam's condition as not rated, highlighting the need for regular monitoring and maintenance to ensure its safety and functionality for both water resource management and climate resilience in the region.
As a key structure in the Memphis District, Too Lazy To Farm serves as a reminder of the importance of proper dam management and emergency response planning in the face of changing climatic conditions and water resource challenges. With its historical significance and potential impact on the surrounding area, this dam calls for continued attention and proactive measures to mitigate risks and protect the community from potential hazards.
Year Completed |
1957 |
Dam Length |
795 |
River Or Stream |
BIG CREEK DRAINAGE CANAL |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
10 |
Hydraulic Height |
16.2 |
Drainage Area |
0.08 |
Nid Storage |
84 |
Structural Height |
18.7 |
Outlet Gates |
None |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Nid Height |
19 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
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.
Too Lazy To Farm