Powell Creek Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Powell Creek, located in Madison, Tennessee, is a state-regulated earth dam completed in 1985 with a hydraulic height of 16 feet and a structural height of 33 feet.


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Summary

The dam has a normal storage capacity of 22 acre-feet and a maximum storage capacity of 195 acre-feet, serving the purpose of water resource management in the region. With a low hazard potential and satisfactory condition assessment, Powell Creek dam is inspected regularly by the Tennessee Safe Dams Program to ensure its safety and functionality.

The dam, with a length of 730 feet and a surface area of 4.5 acres, controls the flow of Powell Creek and provides flood protection to the surrounding area. Despite its uncontrolled spillway type, the dam's risk assessment is moderate, indicating a need for ongoing monitoring and risk management measures. The dam's emergency action plan status and inundation maps preparation are not specified, suggesting room for improvement in emergency preparedness and response protocols. Overall, Powell Creek dam plays a vital role in water resource management and climate resilience efforts in the region.

With its location in the Memphis District and under state jurisdiction, Powell Creek dam is a key infrastructure for water supply and flood control in the area. Managed by the Tennessee Safe Dams Program and regularly inspected for safety and compliance, the dam represents a critical piece of the region's infrastructure for water resource management. As climate change impacts continue to be felt, ensuring the continued functionality and resilience of dams like Powell Creek will be essential for mitigating risks and safeguarding communities against water-related hazards.

Year Completed

1985

Dam Length

730

River Or Stream

POWELL CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

4.5

Hydraulic Height

16

Drainage Area

0.36

Nid Storage

195

Structural Height

33

Outlet Gates

None

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

33
       
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.