Turner Lake Dam
Turner Lake Dam is an earth dam located in Cumberland County, Tennessee, built in 1973. It carries a Significant hazard potential classification and has a fair condition assessment.
About Turner Lake Dam
The primary purpose of Turner Lake Dam is recreation. The dam creates a reservoir used for recreational activities such as fishing, boating, and swimming. The dam is owned by Turner Lake, Inc. (private). It impounds the North Creek near Dorton.
The dam stands 36 feet tall and stretches 670 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 105 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 2,030 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 1 square miles. Completed in 1973, the structure is well into its service life at over 50 years old.
This dam has a significant hazard potential classification, meaning that a failure could cause significant economic damage — flooding roads, bridges, or property downstream — but is not expected to result in loss of life. Its condition is rated fair — the dam has minor deficiencies that are being addressed or do not pose an immediate safety threat. The most recent inspection on record was 01/22/2025.
At 36 feet, this dam is taller than 83% of dams nationwide.
Search for dams near your address to see all dams in your area with hazard classifications and safety data.
Location
| State | Tennessee |
| County | Cumberland |
| Nearest City | Dorton |
| River/Stream | North Creek |
| Coordinates | 35.97444, -84.97361 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 36 ft |
| Dam Length | 670 ft |
| Year Completed | 1973 (53 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 2,030 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 2,030 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 1,210 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 105 acres |
| Drainage Area | 1 sq mi |
| Spillway Type | Uncontrolled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Recreation |
| Owner | Turner Lake, Inc. |
| Owner Type | Private |
| Hazard Classification | Significant |
| Condition Assessment | Fair |
| Last Inspection | 01/22/2025 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Not Required |
Identifiers
| NID ID | TN03534 |
| Federal ID | TN03534 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |