Cotten's Pond Reservoir Report

Nearby: Bowers Salem

Last Updated: December 13, 2025

Cotten's Pond, also known as Joe Cottons Lake Dam, is a private fish and wildlife pond located in Crockett, Tennessee.


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Summary

Built in 1965 by the USDA NRCS, this Earth dam stands at a height of 14.5 feet with a hydraulic height of 12.4 feet. With a storage capacity of 54 acre-feet and a surface area of 8.2 acres, Cotten's Pond serves multiple purposes including fire protection, stock, fish and wildlife preservation, and recreation.

Situated on the MIDDLE FORK FORKED DEER RIVER, Cotten's Pond is under the jurisdiction of the state of Tennessee and is not regulated or permitted by any state agency. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam has a moderate risk assessment score of 3. While the condition of the dam is currently not rated, it undergoes inspection every 5 years to ensure its safety and integrity. The pond does not have an Emergency Action Plan prepared, and there are no inundation maps or risk management measures in place.

With its picturesque location and diverse ecosystem, Cotten's Pond provides a haven for local wildlife and a serene retreat for nature enthusiasts. As a vital water resource in the area, its maintenance and upkeep are essential to preserving the ecosystem and ensuring the safety of the surrounding community. As climate change continues to impact water resources, Cotten's Pond serves as a reminder of the importance of sustainable water management practices and conservation efforts in the face of a changing climate.

Year Completed

1965

Dam Length

755

River Or Stream

MIDDLE FORK FORKED DEER R

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

8.2

Hydraulic Height

12.4

Drainage Area

0.04

Nid Storage

54

Structural Height

14.5

Outlet Gates

None

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

15
       
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.