Sweetwater Creek #16 Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Sweetwater Creek #16, also known as Sweetwater Creek Watershed Dam 16, is a vital structure in the Sweetwater Creek watershed in McMinn, Tennessee.
°F
°F
mph
Wind
%
Humidity
Summary
Owned by the local government, this earth dam was designed by the USDA NRCS and serves the primary purpose of flood risk reduction. Completed in 1978, the dam stands at a structural height of 59 feet and has a hydraulic height of 35.7 feet, providing storage for up to 215 acre-feet of water.
Managed by the Tennessee Safe Dams Program, Sweetwater Creek #16 is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced by state authorities to ensure its structural integrity and safety. The dam has a significant hazard potential and a satisfactory condition assessment as of June 2020. With a moderate risk rating, emergency action plans and risk management measures are in place to mitigate potential hazards and protect downstream communities in case of any emergencies.
Located in Wood, Tennessee, this dam plays a crucial role in managing flood risks and safeguarding the surrounding areas from potential inundation. With a solid history of regulatory oversight and maintenance, Sweetwater Creek #16 stands as a testament to effective water resource management and climate resilience efforts in the region.
Year Completed |
1978 |
Dam Length |
438 |
River Or Stream |
SWEETWATER CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
5.3 |
Hydraulic Height |
35.7 |
Drainage Area |
0.73 |
Nid Storage |
215 |
Structural Height |
59 |
Outlet Gates |
None |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Foundations |
Rock, Soil |
Nid Height |
59 |
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 #16