Cumberland Fossil Plant - Ash Pond (Complex) Reservoir Report
Nearby: Lakewood Lakeview Circle
Last Updated: December 9, 2025
The Cumberland Fossil Plant - Ash Pond (Complex) in Cumberland City, Tennessee, is a federal-owned structure managed by the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) with a primary purpose of serving as a dry ash stack, gypsum storage area, and stilling pond.
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Summary
Completed in 1969, this Earth-type dam stands at a height of 49 feet, with a length of 16,887 feet and a storage capacity of 1,130 acre-feet. The structure is located off the Cumberland River and falls under the jurisdiction of the TVA for regulation, inspection, and operation.
With a hazard potential rated as significant and a moderate risk assessment, the Cumberland Fossil Plant - Ash Pond is subject to regular inspections and maintenance to ensure its structural integrity and safety. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway and outlet gates, with a drainage area of 0.49 square miles and a maximum discharge of 780 cubic feet per second. In 2011, both hydraulic and structural modifications were made to enhance the dam's performance and resilience in the face of potential emergencies.
As a critical component of the Cumberland Fossil Plant complex, the Ash Pond serves as a vital resource for managing coal combustion byproducts and wastewater. Its strategic location near the Cumberland River underscores the importance of maintaining proper oversight and risk management measures to protect the surrounding environment and communities. The TVA remains committed to upholding the highest standards of safety and environmental stewardship in the operation of this essential infrastructure.
Years Modified |
2011 - Hydraulic, 2011 - Structural |
Year Completed |
1969 |
Dam Length |
16887 |
Dam Height |
49 |
River Or Stream |
CUMBERLAND RIVER - OFFSTREAM |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
28 |
Hydraulic Height |
49 |
Drainage Area |
0.49 |
Nid Storage |
1130 |
Structural Height |
49 |
Outlet Gates |
Uncontrolled |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
49 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Yellow Creek At Ellis Mills
|
43cfs |
Little River Near Cadiz
|
485cfs |
Red River At Port Royal
|
237cfs |
Duck River Above Hurricane Mills
|
2800cfs |
Cypress Creek At Camden
|
3cfs |
Sycamore Creek Near Ashland City
|
30cfs |
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.
Cumberland Fossil Plant - Ash Pond (Complex)