Bards Creek Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Dyers Hollow Sediment Basin No.4
Last Updated: December 9, 2025
Bards Creek Dam, located in Stewart, Tennessee, is a Federal-owned structure managed by the USDA Forest Service.
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Summary
Completed in 1965, this Earth-type dam stands at a height of 25 feet and serves primarily as a Fish and Wildlife Pond while also providing recreational opportunities. With a storage capacity of 3,486 acre-feet, the dam plays a crucial role in regulating water levels in the Bards Creek river and supporting the local ecosystem.
Despite its low hazard potential, Bards Creek Dam is considered to have a very high risk due to its condition assessment not being rated. The dam features a controlled spillway and slide gates for outlet control, ensuring proper water management in case of emergencies. While the dam has not been modified in recent years, regular inspections every 10 years help ensure its structural integrity and safety. Climate enthusiasts may find interest in the dam's role in supporting fish and wildlife habitats, highlighting the importance of sustainable water resource management in the face of climate change.
In the event of emergencies, the dam's Emergency Action Plan (EAP) status and risk management measures are unclear, raising concerns about preparedness and response protocols. As a vital infrastructure for both environmental and recreational purposes, Bards Creek Dam underscores the intersection of water resource management and climate resilience. Enthusiasts in these fields may advocate for enhanced monitoring and maintenance practices to safeguard the dam's functionality in the face of evolving climate challenges.
Year Completed |
1965 |
Dam Length |
2045 |
Dam Height |
25 |
River Or Stream |
BARDS CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
13 |
Nid Storage |
3486 |
Structural Height |
25 |
Outlet Gates |
Slide (sluice gate) |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
25 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Little River Near Cadiz
|
485cfs |
Clarks River At Murray
|
15cfs |
Clarks River At Almo
|
39cfs |
Yellow Creek At Ellis Mills
|
43cfs |
Cypress Creek At Camden
|
3cfs |
Big Sandy River At Bruceton
|
140cfs |
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.
Area Campgrounds
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Gatlin Point
|
||
Gatlin Point - LBL
|
||
Bumpus Mills - Lake Barkley
|
||
Boswell Landing
|
||
Piney - LBL
|
||
Rushing Creek - LBL
|
Bards Creek Dam