Big Creek Reservoir Report
Nearby: B Lake #1 Eagle Lake
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Big Creek, located in Grundy, Tennessee, is a concrete dam completed in 1964 for the primary purpose of water supply.
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Summary
Managed by the Tennessee Safe Dams Program, this dam on Ranger Creek stands at a structural height of 29 feet, with a hydraulic height of 27.5 feet and a length of 260 feet. With a storage capacity of 966 acre-feet and a drainage area of 2.3 square miles, Big Creek plays a crucial role in providing water resources to the surrounding area.
Despite its significant hazard potential, Big Creek has been assessed as being in satisfactory condition as of October 2019. Regular inspections are conducted with a frequency of every two years to ensure its structural integrity. The dam's risk assessment is categorized as moderate, indicating a level 3 risk. While it lacks certain emergency preparedness measures such as an Emergency Action Plan and inundation maps, the dam's risk management measures are not specified. Overall, Big Creek serves as a vital water resource for the community while maintaining a satisfactory level of safety and risk management.
Enthusiasts of water resources and climate will find Big Creek to be an intriguing structure in the Nashville District, with its unique design by CAMPBELL WALLACE. As a public utility dam regulated by the Tennessee Safe Dams Program, it showcases the importance of effective dam management and oversight in ensuring water supply reliability. With its moderate risk assessment and satisfactory condition, Big Creek stands as a testament to the careful balance between water resource utilization and safety in the face of changing climate conditions.
Year Completed |
1964 |
Dam Length |
260 |
River Or Stream |
RANGER CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Concrete |
Surface Area |
83 |
Hydraulic Height |
27.5 |
Drainage Area |
2.3 |
Nid Storage |
966 |
Structural Height |
29 |
Outlet Gates |
None |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Nid Height |
29 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo 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
HighDams 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.
Area Campgrounds
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Alum Gap
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Stone Door
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West Collins
|
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Collins East
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Saw Mill
|
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Stage Road
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Big Creek