Reelfootindian Creek #1 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 14, 2025

Reelfootindian Creek #1, also known as Reelfoot Indian Creek Watershed Dam 1, is a critical water resource infrastructure located in Obion, Tennessee.


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Summary

This earth dam, designed by USDA NRCS and completed in 1986, serves the primary purpose of flood risk reduction in the South Reelfoot Creek watershed. With a structural height of 44.5 feet and a hydraulic height of 23 feet, this dam plays a crucial role in managing water flow and protecting the surrounding areas from potential flooding.

Owned and regulated by the state of Tennessee through the TENNESSEE SAFE DAMS PROGRAM, Reelfootindian Creek #1 has a high hazard potential but is currently assessed to be in satisfactory condition. The dam has a storage capacity of 13,981 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 275 acres, serving a drainage area of 14.6 square miles. Despite its high hazard potential, the dam's risk assessment is moderate, indicating a balanced approach to risk management and safety measures.

Regular inspections are conducted on Reelfootindian Creek #1, with the last assessment taking place in December 2020. While the dam does not have outlet gates or locks, its uncontrolled spillway ensures proper water discharge during periods of high flow. With its strategic location and design, this dam stands as a testament to effective water resource management and climate resilience efforts in the region.

Year Completed

1986

Dam Length

2060

River Or Stream

SOUTH REELFOOT CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

275

Hydraulic Height

23

Drainage Area

14.6

Nid Storage

13981

Structural Height

44.5

Outlet Gates

None

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

45
       
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.