Ponderosa Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Ponderosa is a privately owned Earth dam located in Scott, Tennessee, along Niggs Creek.


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Summary

Built in 1965, this dam stands at a structural height of 12.8 feet with a hydraulic height of 7.6 feet. With a storage capacity of 77 acre-feet, Ponderosa serves as a significant water resource in the area, providing a normal storage of 27 acre-feet.

Despite being unregulated by the state and lacking any associated structures, Ponderosa poses a significant hazard potential, rated as "Significant" with a moderate risk assessment of 3. The dam has not been recently assessed for its condition, and its emergency action plan status is unclear. However, with a regular inspection frequency of 5 years, efforts are likely in place to monitor and maintain the dam's safety.

Water resource and climate enthusiasts would find Ponderosa to be a unique feature in the region, with its uncontrolled spillway type and moderate risk level adding to its intrigue. As a part of the Louisville District, the dam's location along Niggs Creek provides essential water management for the surrounding area, showcasing the delicate balance between water resource utilization and potential hazards that must be carefully managed and monitored.

Year Completed

1965

Dam Length

425

River Or Stream

NIGGS CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

9

Hydraulic Height

7.6

Drainage Area

1.36

Nid Storage

77

Structural Height

12.8

Outlet Gates

None

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

13
       
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.