Chief Creek Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 12, 2025

Chief Creek is a privately owned dam located in Lewis, Tennessee, specifically in the city of Napier.


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Summary

Built in 1970, this earth dam stands at a structural height of 55 feet and has a hydraulic height of 39 feet, with a length of 690 feet. It has a significant hazard potential, but its condition was assessed as satisfactory during the last inspection in June 2020.

Managed by the Tennessee Safe Dams Program, Chief Creek's primary purpose and dam type are not specified, but it provides a storage capacity of 3,130 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 96 acres. With a drainage area of 14.6 square miles, this dam on Chief Creek plays a crucial role in water resource management in the region. Despite its moderate risk assessment, the dam is regularly inspected, regulated, and enforced by state authorities to ensure public safety and operational efficiency.

The dam does not feature any outlet gates or locks, and its spillway type is uncontrolled. Although it lacks certain emergency preparedness measures such as an Emergency Action Plan (EAP), Chief Creek remains a key infrastructure for water resource enthusiasts and climate advocates to monitor and study, given its role in flood control, water storage, and environmental impact mitigation in the surrounding area.

Year Completed

1970

Dam Length

690

River Or Stream

CHIEF CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

96

Hydraulic Height

39

Drainage Area

14.6

Nid Storage

3130

Structural Height

55

Outlet Gates

None

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

55
       
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.