Indian Creek #4 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Indian Creek #4, also known as Indian Creek Watershed 4 Dam, is a local government-owned structure located in Michigan City, Tennessee.


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Summary

Built in 1960 by the USDA NRCS, this earth dam stands at a height of 25 feet with a hydraulic height of 12.5 feet, serving primarily for flood risk reduction along Clemmons Branch. The dam has a storage capacity of 928 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 141 acre-feet and a surface area of 32 acres.

Despite being classified as having a low hazard potential, Indian Creek #4 underwent its last inspection in June 2018 and was deemed to be in satisfactory condition. The dam is regulated by the Tennessee Safe Dams Program, with state permitting, inspection, and enforcement in place to ensure its continued safety and functionality. With a moderate risk assessment rating of 3, risk management measures for the dam are currently not specified, indicating a need for ongoing monitoring and maintenance to address any potential issues that may arise in the future.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Indian Creek #4 presents an interesting case study of a local government-owned earth dam designed for flood risk reduction. Situated in a picturesque setting in Hardeman County, Tennessee, this structure exemplifies the importance of effective dam management practices to mitigate potential hazards and ensure the safety of surrounding communities. With its modest storage capacity and satisfactory condition, Indian Creek #4 serves as a reminder of the critical role that dams play in water resource management and the need for ongoing vigilance in safeguarding these vital infrastructure assets.

Year Completed

1960

Dam Length

993

River Or Stream

CLEMMONS BRANCH

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

32

Hydraulic Height

12.5

Drainage Area

2.26

Nid Storage

928

Structural Height

25

Outlet Gates

None

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

25
       
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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.