Porters Creek #15 Reservoir Report
Nearby: Porters Creek #16 Porters Creek #8
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Porters Creek #15, also known as Porters Creek Watershed Dam No 15, is a state-owned earth dam located in Hardeman, Tennessee.
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Summary
Designed by the USDA NRCS and completed in 1966, this dam serves the primary purpose of flood risk reduction along the Porters Creek. With a hydraulic height of 10 feet and a structural height of 21.5 feet, this dam has a normal storage capacity of 80 acre-feet and a drainage area of 1.65 square miles.
Managed by the Tennessee Safe Dams Program, Porters Creek #15 has a low hazard potential and is currently in satisfactory condition, as assessed during the last inspection in May 2019. Despite its moderate risk rating, the dam is in compliance with state regulations and undergoes regular inspections and maintenance to ensure its safety and effectiveness in flood risk reduction. With a maximum storage capacity of 689 acre-feet and a surface area of 25.5 acres, this dam plays a crucial role in protecting the surrounding area from potential flooding events.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Porters Creek #15 offers a fascinating case study of earth dam infrastructure in Tennessee. With its stone core and soil foundation, this dam exemplifies the engineering efforts to mitigate flood risks along the Porters Creek. Through state-regulated inspections and maintenance, this dam continues to provide essential flood protection while showcasing the importance of proactive risk management in water resource infrastructure.
Year Completed |
1966 |
Dam Length |
1161 |
River Or Stream |
PORTERS CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
25.5 |
Hydraulic Height |
10 |
Drainage Area |
1.65 |
Nid Storage |
689 |
Structural Height |
21.5 |
Outlet Gates |
None |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
22 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Hatchie River Near Walnut
|
172cfs |
Wolf River At Lagrange
|
223cfs |
Hatchie River At Bolivar
|
933cfs |
Wolf River At Rossville
|
508cfs |
Little Tallahatchie River At Etta
|
220cfs |
Horse Creek Near Savannah
|
83cfs |
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.
Porters Creek #15