Norris Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 15, 2025

Norris, also known as Jolly Lake Dam, is a private earth dam located in Overton, Tennessee, with a primary purpose of serving as a Fish and Wildlife Pond.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

Constructed in 1965 by the USDA NRCS, this dam stands at a structural height of 25 feet and has a hydraulic height of 15 feet, spanning a length of 403 feet. With a storage capacity of 174 acre-feet, Norris covers a surface area of 9 acres and has a drainage area of 0.17 square miles, making it an essential resource for fire protection, stock, small fish pond, and recreational activities.

Despite its low hazard potential and moderate risk assessment score of 3, Norris has not been rated for its condition assessment. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway type and is not regulated or inspected by the state, making it a unique structure within the Nashville District. With no outlet gates and a lack of emergency action plans in place, Norris presents an opportunity for further assessment and risk management measures to ensure the safety and sustainability of its surrounding environment and the communities it serves. For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Norris represents a fascinating intersection of infrastructure, conservation, and recreational purposes in the heart of Tennessee.

Year Completed

1965

Dam Length

403

River Or Stream

TRIBNETTLECARRIER CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

9

Hydraulic Height

15

Drainage Area

0.17

Nid Storage

174

Structural Height

25

Outlet Gates

None

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Rock, 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.