Mcnairycypress Creek #17 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Mcnairycypress Creek #17, also known as Mcnairy Cypress Creek W/S Dam 12, is a flood risk reduction structure located in McNairy, Tennessee.


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Summary

Built in 1979, this earth dam stands at a structural height of 34.1 feet and has a hydraulic height of 13.8 feet. With a NID storage capacity of 550 acre-feet and a normal storage capacity of 60 acre-feet, the dam serves the primary purpose of flood risk reduction along Wolf Branch.

Managed by the Tennessee Safe Dams Program, Mcnairycypress Creek #17 has a high hazard potential but is currently rated as satisfactory in terms of condition assessment, according to the last inspection conducted in May 2020. The dam has no outlet gates and features an uncontrolled spillway type. It is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced by state agencies, ensuring its compliance with safety standards and guidelines. The risk assessment for this structure is categorized as moderate (3), indicating a proactive approach to risk management measures.

This dam, designed by USDA NRCS & Hal Pridgeon, Jr of Prather.Thomas.Campbell.Pridgeon, is an essential infrastructure providing flood protection to the surrounding area. With its strategic location and effective design, Mcnairycypress Creek #17 remains a critical asset for water resource and climate management enthusiasts in the region, showcasing the collaborative efforts between local government and regulatory agencies to safeguard communities from potential flood hazards.

Year Completed

1979

Dam Length

960

River Or Stream

WOLF BRANCH

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

13

Hydraulic Height

13.8

Drainage Area

0.97

Nid Storage

550

Structural Height

34.1

Outlet Gates

None

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

34
       
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.