Sweetwater Creek #17 Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Sweetwater Creek #17, also known as Sweetwater Creek Watershed Dam 17, is a local government-owned earth dam designed by the USDA NRCS in McMinn, Tennessee.
°F
°F
mph
Wind
%
Humidity
Summary
Completed in 1988, the dam serves the primary purpose of flood risk reduction for the Tributary of Sweetwater Creek. With a hydraulic height of 30 feet and a structural height of 43.4 feet, the dam has a storage capacity of 513 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 8.3 acres, with a drainage area of 0.94 square miles.
The dam is regulated by the Tennessee Safe Dams Program, with state permitting, inspection, and enforcement in place to ensure its safety and compliance. The last inspection in June 2019 rated the dam's condition as satisfactory, with a significant hazard potential. The dam does not have outlet gates and utilizes an uncontrolled spillway type. Despite moderate risk assessment, the dam is well-maintained and serves as a crucial infrastructure for flood risk reduction in the region.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Sweetwater Creek #17 stands as a testament to responsible dam management and the importance of infrastructure in mitigating natural disasters. With its strategic location in McMinn, Tennessee, the dam plays a vital role in protecting the local community from flooding events. By adhering to state regulations and undergoing regular inspections, the dam ensures the safety of its surroundings while effectively managing water resources in the region.
Year Completed |
1988 |
Dam Length |
1000 |
River Or Stream |
TRIBSWEETWATER CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
8.3 |
Hydraulic Height |
30 |
Drainage Area |
0.94 |
Nid Storage |
513 |
Structural Height |
43.4 |
Outlet Gates |
None |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
43 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Sewee Creek Near Decatur
|
66cfs |
Oostanaula Creek Near Sanford
|
46cfs |
Tellico River At Tellico Plains
|
178cfs |
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 #17