Houghland Farm Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 13, 2025

Houghland Farm, located in Williamson County, Tennessee, is a privately-owned earth dam structure completed in 1985 for the primary purposes of fire protection, stock, and a small fish pond.


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Summary

The dam has a hydraulic height of 17.1 feet and a structural height of 20.4 feet, with a length of 1630 feet and a storage capacity of 91 acre-feet. It serves as a recreational area covering a surface area of 10 acres with a drainage area of 0.07 square miles.

Despite being categorized as a low hazard potential structure, Houghland Farm's risk assessment indicates a moderate level of risk (3 out of 5). The dam has not been rated for its condition assessment, and no emergency action plan (EAP) has been prepared. The last inspection was conducted in July 2018 with an inspection frequency of 5 years. The dam's spillway type is uncontrolled, and it has no outlet gates. The surrounding area does not have inundation maps prepared, and there are no specific risk management measures identified for the structure.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Houghland Farm presents an interesting case study as a privately-owned dam in Tennessee with a unique combination of purposes including fire protection and recreational use. The moderate risk assessment highlights the importance of regular inspections and potential improvements to mitigate any hazards. The lack of an emergency action plan and inundation maps underscores the need for proactive measures to ensure the safety and integrity of the dam in the event of an emergency. As climate change continues to impact water resources, structures like Houghland Farm serve as crucial components of the local ecosystem and require careful monitoring and management to adapt to changing conditions.

Year Completed

1985

Dam Length

1630

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

10

Hydraulic Height

17.1

Drainage Area

0.07

Nid Storage

91

Structural Height

20.4

Outlet Gates

None

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

20
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.