Three Cypress Creek #5 Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Three Cypress Creek #5 is a local government-owned earth dam located in Wayne, Tennessee, along the Cypress Creek.
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Summary
Constructed in 1984 by USDA NRCS, this dam stands at a structural height of 43 feet with a hydraulic height of 15 feet, serving as a flood risk reduction structure. With a storage capacity of 916 acre-feet, the dam covers a drainage area of 1.53 square miles and has a surface area of 12.5 acres.
Managed by the Tennessee Safe Dams Program, Three Cypress Creek #5 has a high hazard potential but is currently in satisfactory condition, as assessed during the last inspection in August 2020. Despite its age, the dam meets regulatory standards for inspection, permitting, and enforcement, ensuring its continued function in reducing flood risks in the region. The dam's spillway type is uncontrolled, and it does not have outlet gates or locks associated with it.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Three Cypress Creek #5 presents an intriguing case study of a vital flood risk reduction structure in Tennessee. Its design and construction by USDA NRCS highlight the importance of effective dam management and regulation by state agencies like the Tennessee Safe Dams Program. As climate change intensifies the frequency and severity of extreme weather events, understanding the role of dams like Three Cypress Creek #5 becomes crucial in safeguarding communities and ecosystems against flooding risks.
Year Completed |
1984 |
Dam Length |
1340 |
River Or Stream |
CYPRESS CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
12.5 |
Hydraulic Height |
15 |
Drainage Area |
1.53 |
Nid Storage |
916 |
Structural Height |
43 |
Outlet Gates |
None |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
43 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Shoal Creek At Iron City
|
422cfs |
Cypress Creek Near Florence Al
|
152cfs |
Horse Creek Near Savannah
|
87cfs |
Buffalo River Near Flat Woods
|
443cfs |
Bear Creek At Bishop
|
4330cfs |
Big Nance Creek At Courtland Al
|
51cfs |
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.
Three Cypress Creek #5