Mary's Creek #4, also known as Mary's Creek Dam 4, is a significant earth dam located in Shelby, Tennessee, near Memphis.
Wind
Humidity
Owned by the local government and designed by USDA NRCS, this dam serves the primary purpose of flood risk reduction along the tributary of Mary's Creek. It was completed in 1961 and stands at a hydraulic height of 15 feet and a structural height of 23 feet, with a total length of 885 feet.
With a storage capacity of 292 acre-feet, Mary's Creek #4 has a normal storage of 58 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 16.2 acres, impacting a drainage area of 0.59 square miles. The dam's spillway type is uncontrolled, indicating its design to manage excess water flow during periods of high rainfall. Despite its significant hazard potential, the condition assessment of Mary's Creek #4 was reported as satisfactory during the last inspection in September 2020, with a moderate risk level assigned.
Managed by the Tennessee Safe Dams Program, Mary's Creek #4 plays a crucial role in mitigating flood risks in the region. Its structure, designed by the Natural Resources Conservation Service, showcases the collaboration between local and federal agencies to ensure the safety and efficiency of water resource management in the area. As a key infrastructure asset, this dam stands as a testament to the ongoing efforts to protect communities from the impacts of climate change and water-related disasters.
Year Completed |
1961 |
Dam Length |
885 |
River Or Stream |
TRIBMARY'S CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
16.2 |
Hydraulic Height |
15 |
Drainage Area |
0.59 |
Nid Storage |
292 |
Structural Height |
23 |
Outlet Gates |
None |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
23 |