Sweetwater Creek #1 Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Sweetwater Creek #1, also known as Sweetwater Creek Watershed Dam 1, is a significant earth dam located in McMinn, Tennessee, designed by USDA NRCS and Buchart-Horn, Inc.
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Summary
Completed in 1979, the dam serves the primary purpose of flood risk reduction along the Sweetwater Creek. With a hydraulic height of 12 feet and a structural height of 36 feet, the dam has a storage capacity of 3,125 acre-feet and covers a drainage area of 5.68 square miles.
Managed by the Tennessee Safe Dams Program, Sweetwater Creek #1 poses a significant hazard potential but is currently in satisfactory condition as of the last inspection in June 2020. The dam's spillway is classified as uncontrolled, with no outlet gates, and no associated locks. Despite its moderate risk assessment rating, the dam has not undergone any major modifications since its construction, highlighting the importance of regular inspections and maintenance to ensure its continued effectiveness in flood risk management.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Sweetwater Creek #1 presents an intriguing case study of a locally owned and regulated dam that plays a crucial role in mitigating flood risks in the region. The dam's design and construction by USDA NRCS and Buchart-Horn, Inc, and its oversight by the Tennessee Safe Dams Program offer insights into the collaboration between government agencies and private firms in ensuring water infrastructure safety. As climate change intensifies the frequency and severity of extreme weather events, the maintenance and upkeep of dams like Sweetwater Creek #1 become increasingly vital in safeguarding communities and ecosystems from the impacts of flooding.
Year Completed |
1979 |
Dam Length |
2000 |
River Or Stream |
SWEETWATER CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
45 |
Hydraulic Height |
12 |
Drainage Area |
5.68 |
Nid Storage |
3125 |
Structural Height |
36 |
Outlet Gates |
None |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Foundations |
Rock, Soil |
Nid Height |
36 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Sewee Creek Near Decatur
|
66cfs |
Tellico River At Tellico Plains
|
178cfs |
Oostanaula Creek Near Sanford
|
46cfs |
Hiwassee River At Charleston
|
10400cfs |
Emory River At Oakdale
|
872cfs |
Beaver Creek At Solway
|
138cfs |
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.
Sweetwater Creek #1