Fall Creek Falls Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Fall Creek Falls, located in Van Buren, Tennessee, is a state-regulated dam on Falls Creek with a hydraulic height of 61.5 feet and a structural height of 75 feet.


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Summary

Completed in 1970, this earth dam has a length of 1050 feet and a storage capacity of 9393 acre-feet, with a normal storage of 6100 acre-feet. The dam's surface area covers 250 acres and its drainage area is 6.6 square miles, making it a significant structure in the region.

Despite its impressive size and storage capacity, Fall Creek Falls has a high hazard potential and an unsatisfactory condition assessment, last inspected in August 2020. The dam's spillway is uncontrolled, and it lacks outlet gates, posing a potential risk in case of emergencies. With a moderate risk assessment rating of 3, there are concerns about the dam's safety and the need for effective risk management measures. For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Fall Creek Falls represents both the beauty and the challenges associated with managing and regulating vital water resources.

Year Completed

1970

Dam Length

1050

River Or Stream

FALLS CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

250

Hydraulic Height

61.5

Drainage Area

6.6

Nid Storage

9393

Structural Height

75

Outlet Gates

None

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

75
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.
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