Pioneer #3 Dam
Pioneer #3 Dam is an earth dam located in Dyer County, Tennessee, built in 1945. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About Pioneer #3 Dam
The primary purpose of Pioneer #3 Dam is recreation. The dam creates a reservoir used for recreational activities such as fishing, boating, and swimming. The dam is owned by Pioneer West Lake #3 Assoc. Inc. (private). It impounds the Forked Deer River.
The dam stands 29 feet tall and stretches 400 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 9 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 138 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 0 square miles. Completed in 1945, the structure is well-established, with more than 75 years of service.
This dam carries a high hazard potential classification, which means that a failure or uncontrolled release of water would likely cause loss of human life. This classification reflects the consequences of failure, not the likelihood — it indicates that people live or work in the area downstream. Its condition is rated satisfactory, indicating no existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. An emergency action plan is in place for this dam. The most recent inspection on record was 07/28/2025.
Living Downstream
If you live or work downstream of this dam, consider taking these steps: learn your local evacuation routes, check whether your county emergency management office has a dam failure inundation map, and sign up for local emergency alerts. The Tennessee dam safety program can provide more specific information about emergency planning for this structure.
Search for dams near your address to see all dams in your area with hazard classifications and safety data.
Location
| State | Tennessee |
| County | Dyer |
| River/Stream | Forked Deer River |
| Coordinates | 36.05861, -89.41056 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 29 ft |
| Dam Length | 400 ft |
| Year Completed | 1945 (81 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 138 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 138 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 89 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 9 acres |
| Drainage Area | 0 sq mi |
| Spillway Type | Uncontrolled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Recreation |
| Owner | Pioneer West Lake #3 Assoc. Inc. |
| Owner Type | Private |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 07/28/2025 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | TN04504 |
| Federal ID | TN04504 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |