Coon Creek Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Coon Creek, located in Dyer, Tennessee, is a state-regulated dam with a high hazard potential but a satisfactory condition assessment.


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Summary

Completed in 1978, this earth dam stands at a structural height of 48 feet with a hydraulic height of 38 feet, providing a maximum storage capacity of 3,513 acre-feet. With a drainage area of 2.02 square miles, the dam serves to control the flow of water along Coon Creek, ensuring the safety of the surrounding area.

Managed by the Tennessee Safe Dams Program, Coon Creek Dam has state oversight for permitting, inspection, and enforcement. Despite its high hazard potential, the dam's risk assessment is considered moderate, indicating a level of risk that requires attention but is manageable. The dam lacks certain features like outlet gates and a controlled spillway, making it essential for ongoing monitoring and potentially additional risk management measures to be implemented in the future to safeguard the community of Lenox and the surrounding areas.

Coon Creek Dam presents an important case study for water resource and climate enthusiasts, highlighting the intricate balance between infrastructure development, water management, and risk mitigation. As climate change continues to impact water systems, understanding the operations and maintenance of dams like Coon Creek is crucial for ensuring the resilience of communities and ecosystems in the face of evolving environmental challenges.

Year Completed

1978

Dam Length

726

River Or Stream

COON CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

125

Hydraulic Height

38

Drainage Area

2.02

Nid Storage

3513

Structural Height

48

Outlet Gates

None

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

48
       
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.