Sweetwater Creek #15 Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Sweetwater Creek #15 is a crucial flood risk reduction structure located in Monroe, Tennessee.
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Summary
Designed by the USDA NRCS and completed in 1979, this earth dam stands at a structural height of 53.1 feet and has a hydraulic height of 27 feet. With a storage capacity of 559 acre-feet and serving the Sweetwater Creek watershed, this dam plays a vital role in managing floodwaters and protecting the surrounding area from potential flooding.
Managed by the Tennessee Safe Dams Program, Sweetwater Creek #15 has been deemed to have a high hazard potential but is currently in satisfactory condition according to the most recent inspection in June 2020. The dam's primary purpose is flood risk reduction, and it is equipped with an uncontrolled spillway. Despite its moderate risk assessment, the dam has not been modified in recent years and does not have outlet gates for controlled water release.
Water resource and climate enthusiasts will find Sweetwater Creek #15 to be an intriguing structure due to its critical role in flood management in the area. With its notable design and engineering by the USDA NRCS, this dam stands as a testament to the importance of resilient infrastructure in safeguarding communities from the impacts of extreme weather events. The ongoing monitoring and inspection efforts by the Tennessee Safe Dams Program ensure that Sweetwater Creek #15 continues to serve its purpose effectively in protecting the local area from flood risks.
Year Completed |
1979 |
Dam Length |
1100 |
River Or Stream |
SWEETWATER CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
9.4 |
Hydraulic Height |
27 |
Drainage Area |
1.57 |
Nid Storage |
559 |
Structural Height |
53.1 |
Outlet Gates |
None |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Rock, Soil |
Nid Height |
53 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Sewee Creek Near Decatur
|
66cfs |
Tellico River At Tellico Plains
|
178cfs |
Oostanaula Creek Near Sanford
|
46cfs |
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 #15