Lake Bennington Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Lake Bennington, located in Shelby, Tennessee, is a privately owned earth dam that serves multiple purposes, including flood control and water storage.


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Summary

Built in 1981, this dam has a structural height of 24 feet and a hydraulic height of 15.3 feet, with a storage capacity of 150 acre-feet. The reservoir covers an area of 17.9 acres and is fed by the TRIBNONCONNAH RIVER.

Despite being privately owned, Lake Bennington falls under the regulatory oversight of the Tennessee Safe Dams Program, ensuring that it is regularly inspected and maintained to meet safety standards. The dam has a high hazard potential but is currently rated as satisfactory in terms of its condition assessment. With a moderate risk level of 3, the dam is equipped with uncontrolled spillways and does not have any associated locks or outlet gates.

Enthusiasts of water resources and climate will find Lake Bennington to be an intriguing site, given its strategic location, structural design, and regulatory framework. The dam's role in managing water resources and mitigating flood risks in the area highlights the importance of effective dam management practices to ensure the safety and security of the surrounding community.

Year Completed

1981

Dam Length

760

River Or Stream

TRIBNONCONNAH RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

17.9

Hydraulic Height

15.3

Drainage Area

0.13

Nid Storage

150

Structural Height

24

Outlet Gates

None

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

24
       
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.