Clear Creek Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Clear Creek Dam, located in Bristol, Virginia, is a vital structure owned and operated by the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA).


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Summary

Completed in 1965, this earth dam stands at a height of 51 feet and serves the primary purpose of flood risk reduction. With a normal storage capacity of 2,776 acre-feet and a maximum storage of 4,660 acre-feet, Clear Creek Dam plays a crucial role in managing water resources in the region.

The dam, situated on Clear Creek, covers a surface area of 130 acres and has a drainage area of 5.75 square miles. It boasts an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 100 feet, allowing for a maximum discharge of 10,420 cubic feet per second. Despite being classified as having a high hazard potential, the risk assessment for Clear Creek Dam is moderate. The dam is inspected biennially, with the last inspection conducted in August 2020.

While Clear Creek Dam primarily focuses on flood risk reduction, it also offers recreational opportunities for the local community. The dam has not undergone any significant modifications since its construction and remains an essential component of water resource management in the area. With its strategic location and effective design, Clear Creek Dam serves as a critical infrastructure for both water resource and climate enthusiasts in the region, highlighting the importance of sustainable water management practices.

Year Completed

1965

Dam Length

670

Dam Height

51

River Or Stream

CLEAR CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

130

Hydraulic Height

47

Drainage Area

5.75

Nid Storage

4660

Structural Height

51

Outlet Gates

None

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Rock

Nid Height

51
       
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.