Sparks Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Sparks, located in Blount, Tennessee, is a private earth dam constructed in 1986 primarily for fire protection, stock, and small fish pond purposes.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

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.

Year Completed

1986

Dam Length

178

River Or Stream

TRIBSIX MILE CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

2.5

Hydraulic Height

20.5

Drainage Area

0.07

Nid Storage

30

Structural Height

23.7

Outlet Gates

None

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

24
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

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.