Meridian Creek #3 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Meridian Creek #3, located in Jackson, Tennessee, is a crucial structure designed by the USDA NRCS for flood risk reduction along the Watlington Branch.


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Summary

Built in 1963, this earthen dam has a hydraulic height of 10.4 feet and a structural height of 24.7 feet, with a capacity to hold 458 acre-feet of water. With a primary purpose of flood risk reduction, this dam also serves recreational purposes, providing a surface area of 14.1 acres for the community to enjoy.

Managed by the Tennessee Safe Dams Program, Meridian Creek #3 is inspected regularly to ensure its satisfactory condition and high hazard potential is mitigated. Despite its moderate risk assessment, the dam meets regulatory guidelines and is equipped with emergency action plans. The dam's location in a high-risk area underscores the importance of proper maintenance and oversight to protect downstream communities. For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Meridian Creek #3 stands as a testament to effective dam management and the critical role these structures play in safeguarding communities from flooding events.

Year Completed

1963

Dam Length

712

River Or Stream

WATLINGTON BRANCH

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

14.1

Hydraulic Height

10.4

Drainage Area

0.93

Nid Storage

458

Structural Height

24.7

Outlet Gates

None

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

25
       
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.