Duncan Creek Reservoir Report

Nearby: Alice Laura

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Duncan Creek, located in Cumberland County, Tennessee, is a privately owned earth dam completed in 1980 for fire protection, stock, and small fish pond purposes.


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Summary

With a hydraulic height of 34.4 feet and a structural height of 38.1 feet, the dam has a storage capacity of 1006 acre-feet and a drainage area of 1.45 square miles. The reservoir covers an area of 57 acres and serves as a recreational spot in addition to its primary functions.

Despite being a non-regulated structure, Duncan Creek Dam poses a significant hazard potential due to its condition being not rated and having a moderate risk assessment level. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway type and has not undergone any modifications in recent years. Last inspected in May 2019 with an inspection frequency of 5 years, the dam lacks an emergency action plan and inundation maps, raising concerns about its emergency preparedness. With its proximity to the Nashville District, water resource and climate enthusiasts may find Duncan Creek an intriguing case study for assessing dam safety and risk management measures in private dam structures.

Year Completed

1980

Dam Length

575

River Or Stream

DUNCAN CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

57

Hydraulic Height

34.4

Drainage Area

1.45

Nid Storage

1006

Structural Height

38.1

Outlet Gates

None

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

38
       
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.