Big Creek Dam
Big Creek Dam is a concrete dam located in Grundy County, Tennessee, built in 1964. It carries a Significant hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About Big Creek Dam
The primary purpose of Big 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 Big Creek Utility District (public utility). It impounds the Ranger Creek near Coalmont.
The dam stands 29 feet tall and stretches 260 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 83 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 966 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 2 square miles. Completed in 1964, 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 satisfactory, indicating no existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. The most recent inspection on record was 10/27/2025.
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Location
| State | Tennessee |
| County | Grundy |
| Nearest City | Coalmont |
| River/Stream | Ranger Creek |
| Coordinates | 35.36778, -85.70028 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Concrete |
| NID Height | 29 ft |
| Dam Length | 260 ft |
| Year Completed | 1964 (62 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 966 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 966 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 832 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 83 acres |
| Drainage Area | 2 sq mi |
| Spillway Type | Uncontrolled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Water Supply |
| Owner | Big Creek Utility District |
| Owner Type | Public Utility |
| Hazard Classification | Significant |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 10/27/2025 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Not Required |
Identifiers
| NID ID | TN06109 |
| Federal ID | TN06109 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |