Porters Creek #4 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Porters Creek #4, also known as Porters Creek Lake Dam 4, is a state-owned structure located in Hardeman, Tennessee, specifically in the city of LIBSON.


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Summary

Built in 1962 by the USDA NRCS, this earth dam stands at a hydraulic height of 12.5 feet and a structural height of 26.5 feet, with a total length of 1097 feet. Its primary purpose is flood risk reduction, serving to protect the surrounding area from potential inundation during heavy rainfall events.

With a maximum storage capacity of 963 acre-feet and a normal storage of 95 acre-feet, Porters Creek #4 plays a crucial role in managing water resources in the region. The dam is regulated by the Tennessee Safe Dams Program and undergoes regular inspections to ensure its structural integrity. With a low hazard potential and a satisfactory condition assessment as of July 2020, the dam is considered to be in good working order.

Despite its low hazard potential, Porters Creek #4 is still subject to moderate risk, highlighting the importance of ongoing risk management measures and emergency preparedness. The dam does not have a designated Emergency Action Plan (EAP) at this time, indicating a potential area for improvement in terms of response readiness. Overall, Porters Creek #4 serves as a vital component of the region's flood risk reduction infrastructure, safeguarding communities and resources from the impacts of severe weather events.

Year Completed

1962

Dam Length

1097

River Or Stream

STEWART BRANCH

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

27.6

Hydraulic Height

12.5

Drainage Area

2.27

Nid Storage

963

Structural Height

26.5

Outlet Gates

None

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

27
       
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.