Wolfe Dam, located in Rutledge, Tennessee, along the TR-Richland Creek, stands as a testament to the importance of flood risk reduction in the region.
Wind
Humidity
Built in 1959 by the USDA NRCS, this private-owned earth dam serves multiple purposes including fire protection, stock or small fish pond, fish and wildlife pond, and recreation. With a height of 16 feet and a length of 256 feet, Wolfe Dam has a storage capacity of 57 acre-feet, providing vital water resource management in the area.
Despite its low hazard potential, Wolfe Dam is subject to regular inspections, with the last one conducted in August 2018. The dam's risk assessment is rated as moderate, indicating the need for ongoing monitoring and management. While the dam's condition is currently not rated, its emergency action plan (EAP) status and adherence to guidelines remain unknown. With its uncontrolled spillway and outlet gates, Wolfe Dam stands as a critical infrastructure piece for flood control and wildlife preservation in Grainger County.
In the realm of water resource and climate enthusiasts, Wolfe Dam presents an intriguing case study of a multi-purpose earth dam that plays a vital role in flood risk reduction and ecosystem protection. As efforts to address climate change intensify, the management and maintenance of structures like Wolfe Dam will be essential in ensuring the resilience of communities and habitats against the challenges posed by a changing climate.
Year Completed |
1959 |
Dam Length |
256 |
Dam Height |
16 |
River Or Stream |
TR- RICHLAND CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
5 |
Hydraulic Height |
16 |
Nid Storage |
57 |
Structural Height |
20 |
Outlet Gates |
Uncontrolled |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Rock, Soil |
Nid Height |
20 |
Clinch River Above Tazewell
|
2120cfs |
Powell River Near Arthur
|
1370cfs |
Nolichucky River Near Lowland
|
1360cfs |
Crockett Creek Below Rogersville
|
5cfs |
French Broad River Near Newport
|
1520cfs |
Pigeon River At Newport
|
1250cfs |
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
May Springs
|
||
Panther Creek State Park
|
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Cherokee Dam
|
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Camp Cargill
|
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Cherokee Lake County Park
|