North Potato Creek Dam
North Potato Creek Dam is an earth dam located in Polk County, Tennessee, built in 1979. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About North Potato Creek Dam
North Potato Creek Dam is a dam in Polk, Tennessee. The dam is owned by Copper Basin Project Property Trust (private). It impounds the North Potato Creek near Ducktown.
The dam stands 92 feet tall and stretches 710 feet across, has a maximum storage capacity of 4,100 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 13 square miles. Completed in 1979, the structure is 47 years old.
This dam carries a high hazard potential classification, which means that a failure or uncontrolled release of water would likely cause loss of human life. This classification reflects the consequences of failure, not the likelihood — it indicates that people live or work in the area downstream. Its condition is rated satisfactory, indicating no existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. An emergency action plan is in place for this dam. The most recent inspection on record was 05/05/2025.
At 92 feet, this dam is taller than 98% of all dams in the United States.
Living Downstream
If you live or work downstream of this dam, consider taking these steps: learn your local evacuation routes, check whether your county emergency management office has a dam failure inundation map, and sign up for local emergency alerts. The Tennessee dam safety program can provide more specific information about emergency planning for this structure.
Search for dams near your address to see all dams in your area with hazard classifications and safety data.
Location
| State | Tennessee |
| County | Polk |
| Nearest City | Ducktown |
| River/Stream | North Potato Creek |
| Coordinates | 35.01611, -84.37944 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 92 ft |
| Dam Length | 710 ft |
| Year Completed | 1979 (47 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 4,100 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 4,100 acre-ft |
| Drainage Area | 13 sq mi |
| Spillway Type | Uncontrolled |
Ownership & Safety
| Owner | Copper Basin Project Property Trust |
| Owner Type | Private |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 05/05/2025 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | TN13910 |
| Federal ID | TN13910 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |