Big Ridge is a gravity dam located in Norris, Tennessee, with a height of 50 feet and a hydraulic height of 43 feet.
Wind
Humidity
Completed in 1936, the dam holds back the waters of Tributary Norris Lake, providing a storage capacity of 1100 acre-feet and a surface area of 46 acres. The dam is under the jurisdiction of the Tennessee Safe Dams Program and is subject to regular inspections and enforcement to ensure its structural integrity and safety.
Despite being classified as having a significant hazard potential, Big Ridge is currently in satisfactory condition, with inspections conducted every two years to assess its safety. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway and has no outlet gates, with a moderate risk assessment rating of 3. The surrounding area of Union County, Tennessee, benefits from the water resource provided by Big Ridge, which plays a crucial role in managing water levels and ensuring the stability of Tributary Norris Lake. Enthusiasts of water resources and climate can appreciate the importance of dams like Big Ridge in safeguarding communities and ecosystems from potential flooding and water scarcity issues.
Year Completed |
1936 |
Dam Length |
197.5 |
River Or Stream |
TRIBNORRIS LAKE |
Primary Dam Type |
Gravity |
Surface Area |
46 |
Hydraulic Height |
43 |
Drainage Area |
1.14 |
Nid Storage |
1100 |
Structural Height |
50 |
Outlet Gates |
None |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Nid Height |
50 |
Bullrun Creek Near Halls Crossroads
|
32cfs |
Beaver Creek At Solway
|
84cfs |
Powell River Near Arthur
|
695cfs |
Clear Fork At Saxton
|
206cfs |
Little River Near Alcoa
|
209cfs |
Clinch River Above Tazewell
|
1200cfs |
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Big Ridge State Park
|
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Loyston Point
|
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Anderson County Park
|
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East Campground
|
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Clinton / Knoxville North KOA
|
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West Campground
|