Cane Creek #9 Reservoir Report
Nearby: Smith Lost Creek
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Cane Creek #9, also known as Cane Creek Dam 9, is a significant water resource located in Ripley, Tennessee, within Lauderdale County.
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Summary
Constructed in 1968 by the USDA NRCS, this earth dam stands at a structural height of 18 feet and has a hydraulic height of 9.5 feet, serving as a vital flood risk reduction measure for the region. With a normal storage capacity of 44 acre-feet and a maximum storage of 394 acre-feet, this dam plays a crucial role in managing water levels in Nelson Creek.
Managed by the Tennessee Safe Dams Program, Cane Creek #9 is regularly inspected, with its condition assessed as satisfactory during the last inspection in May 2019. Despite being categorized as having a significant hazard potential, the dam's risk assessment remains moderate. The dam does not have outlet gates or locks, and features an uncontrolled spillway. With a drainage area of 0.9 square miles and a surface area of 17.3 acres, Cane Creek #9 demonstrates its importance in mitigating flood risks and ensuring water resource management in the area.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Cane Creek #9 serves as a noteworthy example of infrastructure designed to address flood risk reduction in a controlled manner. With its stone core and soil foundation, this dam showcases the importance of proper design and construction to ensure its effectiveness in managing water levels. As part of the larger network of dams in the area, Cane Creek #9 contributes to the overall water resource management efforts in Lauderdale County, highlighting the essential role of such structures in safeguarding communities and ecosystems from the impacts of extreme weather events.
Year Completed |
1968 |
Dam Length |
835 |
River Or Stream |
NELSON CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
17.3 |
Hydraulic Height |
9.5 |
Drainage Area |
0.9 |
Nid Storage |
394 |
Structural Height |
18 |
Outlet Gates |
None |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
18 |
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.
Cane Creek #9