Jennings Creek #17 dam
Jennings Creek #17
Jennings Creek #17, located in Macon, Tennessee, is a vital structure managed by the local government for flood risk reduction along Jennings Creek. Built in 1964, this earth dam stands at an impressive 66 feet in height with a hydraulic height of 26.3 feet, serving as a key defense against potential flooding in the area. With a storage capacity of 1782 acre-feet and a drainage area of 5.51 square miles, this dam plays a crucial role in protecting the surrounding community from water-related disasters.
Despite its high hazard potential, Jennings Creek #17 has been assessed as satisfactory in condition as of November 2020. Regular inspections affirm its structural integrity, with the Tennessee Safe Dams Program overseeing state regulation, permitting, inspection, and enforcement. The dam's spillway, classified as uncontrolled, adds an extra layer of protection in case of overflow, ensuring that water levels remain manageable during times of heightened risk. Its risk assessment labels it as moderate, further emphasizing the importance of ongoing monitoring and maintenance to uphold its protective capabilities for the community of North Springs.
As a focal point for water resource and climate enthusiasts, Jennings Creek #17 stands as a testament to the intricate balance between human engineering and natural forces. Its design by USDA NRCS and Dames and Moore, Inc. reflects a commitment to sustainable flood risk reduction, with a primary purpose of safeguarding the region against potential water hazards. With a history dating back to the 1960s, this earth dam continues to serve as a vital component of the local water management infrastructure, showcasing the intersection of environmental conservation and community safety in Tennessee's water landscape.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
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, environmental 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.
Plan around the weather
Same NOAA / yr.no feed Snoflo's iOS app uses. Watch the precipitation column on the meteogram -- rain on the basin upstream typically lifts inflow 24-72 hours later.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind. Each cell is colour-coded relative to the column min/max.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
Nearby streamflow gauges
USGS streamgauges around Jennings Creek #17 -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Salt Lick Creek Below Red Boiling Springs | 27 cfs | → |
| Roaring River Near Hilham | 10 cfs | → |
| Smith Fork At Temperance Hall | 24 cfs | → |
| Falling Water River Near Cookeville | 24 cfs | → |
| West Fork Obey River Near Alpine | 10 cfs | → |
| Drakes Creek Near Alvaton | 91 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Jennings Creek #17.
Boat launches
- Dodson Branch Highway 10281-10325, Gainesboro
- Martins Creek Highway 1179-1299, Granville
- Allen County
- Dekalb County
- Ramsey Road 1000, Lebanon
Campgrounds
- Salt Lick Creek - Cordell Hull Lake
- Defeated Creek - Cordell Hull Lake
- Dale Hollow Dam - Dale Hollow Lake
- Standing Stone State Rustic Park
- Edgar Evins State Park
- Cove Hollow - Center Hill Lake
Track Jennings Creek #17 in the Snoflo app
Save this dam as a favorite and get the local NOAA / yr.no forecast plus regional flow context wherever you are.
About Jennings Creek #17
Where does the data for Jennings Creek #17 come from?
Structural and regulatory data come from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' National Inventory of Dams (NID). Weather forecast comes from NOAA / yr.no -- the same feed Snoflo's iOS app uses.
How often is the report updated?
NID structural data refreshes annually as the Corps publishes updated assessments. The weather forecast refreshes throughout the day.
What does the High hazard rating mean?
The Corps of Engineers' hazard potential classification grades probable consequences if the dam fails: High = probable loss of human life; Significant = no probable loss of human life but possible economic loss / environmental damage; Low = no probable loss of human life, only minor economic / environmental losses. See the Dam Data Reference card above for the full definitions.
What's "% of normal"?
The current storage value compared to the historical average storage on this calendar day. 100% = right on average; values above 100% mean above-normal storage (wet year); values below mean below-normal (dry year or drought).
Can I get alerts when storage crosses a threshold?
Yes -- alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this dam, set a threshold, and you'll get a push the moment conditions cross.
Other water bodies near here
Snoflo-tracked reservoirs and dams within driving distance of Jennings Creek #17.