Otter Creek Dam
Otter Creek Dam is an earth dam located in Cumberland County, Tennessee, built in 1995. It carries a Significant hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About Otter Creek Dam
The primary purpose of Otter Creek Dam is water supply. The dam stores water for municipal, industrial, or agricultural use, helping ensure a reliable supply for the surrounding area. The dam is owned by Crab Orchard Utility District (public utility). It impounds the Otter Creek.
The dam stands 95 feet tall and stretches 650 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 120 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 5,227 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 2 square miles. Completed in 1995, the structure is 31 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 satisfactory, indicating no existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. The most recent inspection on record was 12/22/2025.
At 95 feet, this dam is taller than 98% of all dams in the United States.
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Location
| State | Tennessee |
| County | Cumberland |
| River/Stream | Otter Creek |
| Coordinates | 36.01278, -84.92639 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 95 ft |
| Dam Length | 650 ft |
| Year Completed | 1995 (31 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 5,227 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 5,227 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 3,808 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 120 acres |
| Drainage Area | 2 sq mi |
| Spillway Type | Uncontrolled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Water Supply |
| Owner | Crab Orchard Utility District |
| Owner Type | Public Utility |
| Hazard Classification | Significant |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 12/22/2025 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Not Required |
Identifiers
| NID ID | TN03557 |
| Federal ID | TN03557 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |