Jennings Creek #18 Reservoir Report
Nearby: Jennings Creek #15 Jennings Creek #16
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
Jennings Creek #18, also known as Jennings Creek Watershed Dam 18, is a locally owned and state-regulated earth dam located in North Springs, Tennessee.
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Summary
Built in 1963 by the USDA NRCS, this dam serves as a crucial flood risk reduction structure along the Ward Fork river. With a hydraulic height of 28.6 feet and a structural height of 60.5 feet, this dam provides essential protection to the surrounding area with a normal storage capacity of 125 acre-feet and a maximum storage of 1204 acre-feet.
Despite its satisfactory condition assessment as of November 2020, Jennings Creek #18 poses a high hazard potential due to its location and design. The dam, with a length of 535 feet and a surface area of 14.5 acres, is regulated by the Tennessee Safe Dams Program and undergoes regular inspections to ensure its safety and effectiveness in flood risk management. While the dam has no outlet gates, it features an uncontrolled spillway and is built on rock and soil foundations to withstand high volumes of water during periods of intense rainfall.
In the event of an emergency, the dam's owners are responsible for coordinating response efforts, although details about the Emergency Action Plan (EAP) are currently unavailable. With a moderate risk assessment score of 3, ongoing risk management measures are essential to ensure the continued safety and functionality of Jennings Creek #18. Climate and water resource enthusiasts can appreciate the vital role this dam plays in protecting the local community and environment from potential flooding events.
Year Completed |
1963 |
Dam Length |
535 |
River Or Stream |
WARD FORK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
14.5 |
Hydraulic Height |
28.6 |
Drainage Area |
3.08 |
Nid Storage |
1204 |
Structural Height |
60.5 |
Outlet Gates |
None |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Rock, Soil |
Nid Height |
61 |
Seasonal Comparison
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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.
Jennings Creek #18