Sparks, located in Blount, Tennessee, is a private earth dam constructed in 1986 primarily for fire protection, stock, and small fish pond purposes. The dam, standing at a structural height of 23.7 feet and a hydraulic height of 20.5 feet, has a maximum storage capacity of 30 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 2.5 acres. With a drainage area of 0.07 square miles, Sparks is fed by TribSix Mile Creek and is under the jurisdiction of the Nashville District of the US Army Corps of Engineers.

Despite being rated as "significant" in terms of hazard potential, Sparks has not undergone a formal condition assessment and is currently not regulated by the state. The dam's spillway type is uncontrolled, and it does not have any outlet gates. The last inspection of Sparks took place in August 2016, with a scheduled inspection frequency of every 5 years. While the risk assessment for Sparks is classified as moderate, additional risk management measures and emergency action plans have not been reported for this structure.

As enthusiasts of water resources and climate monitoring, the unique characteristics and risk profile of Sparks present an intriguing case study for understanding the management and maintenance of small dams in Tennessee. With its location in a rural area and potential impact on the local ecosystem, continued monitoring and evaluation of Sparks will be essential to ensure the safety and sustainability of this vital water resource for fire protection, livestock, and aquatic life in the region.