Pine Creek #4 Reservoir Report
Nearby: Laurel Branch Cooper Lake
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Pine Creek #4, also known as Pine Creek 4 Dam, is a public utility-owned structure located in Scott, Tennessee.
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Summary
Built in 1966, this earth dam stands at a structural height of 33.5 feet and serves primarily for flood risk reduction, with secondary purposes including recreation and water supply. With a maximum storage capacity of 1163 acre-feet and normal storage of 629 acre-feet, Pine Creek #4 sits on Cotton Creek and covers a surface area of 58.6 acres within a drainage area of 1.4 square miles.
Managed by the Tennessee Safe Dams Program, Pine Creek #4 has a high hazard potential but is currently in satisfactory condition as of the most recent inspection in March 2021. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway type and has no outlet gates. Despite its moderate risk assessment rating, there are no documented risk management measures or emergency action plans prepared for this structure. With its significant contribution to flood risk reduction in the area, Pine Creek #4 remains a crucial component of the water resource infrastructure in Scott County, Tennessee.
Enthusiasts of water resources and climate will find Pine Creek #4 to be an intriguing structure that plays a vital role in managing flood risks in the region. With its historical significance dating back to 1966 and its continued operation under the oversight of the Tennessee Safe Dams Program, this earth dam on Cotton Creek showcases the importance of infrastructure for water supply, recreation, and flood control. As efforts to enhance resilience to climate change continue, the maintenance and monitoring of Pine Creek #4 will be essential to ensuring the safety and protection of the surrounding communities and natural habitats.
Year Completed |
1966 |
Dam Length |
410 |
River Or Stream |
COTTON CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
58.6 |
Hydraulic Height |
22.9 |
Drainage Area |
1.4 |
Nid Storage |
1163 |
Structural Height |
33.5 |
Outlet Gates |
None |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Rock, Soil |
Nid Height |
34 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
South Fk Cumberland River At Leatherwood Ford
|
976cfs |
South Fork Cumberland River Near Stearns
|
195cfs |
New River At New River
|
486cfs |
Clear Fork Near Robbins
|
292cfs |
Cumberland River At Cumberland Falls
|
2140cfs |
Clear Fork At Saxton
|
243cfs |
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.
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