Stotts Lake Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Stotts Lake, located in Memphis, Tennessee, is a privately owned reservoir on Tribmary's Creek with a significant hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment rating.


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Summary

Built in 1951, this earth dam stands at a hydraulic height of 15.1 feet and a structural height of 17 feet, with a length of 422 feet and a storage capacity of 54 acre-feet. The lake covers a surface area of 6.6 acres and has a drainage area of 0.06 square miles.

Despite its size, Stotts Lake does not fall under state jurisdiction, regulation, or permitting. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway and has no outlet gates. While the last inspection was conducted in October 2017, the dam's condition assessment is listed as "Not Rated," indicating a need for further evaluation. With a five-year inspection frequency, the reservoir's emergency action plan status, risk management measures, and regulatory compliance remain unspecified.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts interested in Stotts Lake, its unique characteristics and location in Shelby County, Tennessee, present an intriguing case study on privately owned dams in the region. The reservoir's historical significance, construction details, and risk assessment factors contribute to a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and opportunities associated with managing water resources in a dynamic environment. Further research and analysis of Stotts Lake's operational practices, emergency preparedness protocols, and long-term sustainability measures could provide valuable insights for improving dam safety and environmental stewardship in similar settings.

Year Completed

1951

Dam Length

422

River Or Stream

TRIBMARY'S CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

6.6

Hydraulic Height

15.1

Drainage Area

0.06

Nid Storage

54

Structural Height

17

Outlet Gates

None

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

17
       
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.