Napier Diversion Dam
Napier Diversion Dam is an earth dam located in Lewis County, Tennessee, built in 1927. It carries a Significant hazard potential classification.
About Napier Diversion Dam
The primary purpose of Napier Diversion Dam is recreation. The dam creates a reservoir used for recreational activities such as fishing, boating, and swimming. The dam is owned by Aubrey Preston (private). It impounds the Chief Creek near North Riverside.
The dam stands 20 feet tall and stretches 330 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 6 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 120 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 21 square miles. Completed in 1927, the structure is well-established, with more than 75 years of service.
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. The most recent inspection on record was 10/04/2023.
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Location
| State | Tennessee |
| County | Lewis |
| Nearest City | North Riverside |
| River/Stream | Chief Creek |
| Coordinates | 35.44833, -87.50639 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 20 ft |
| Dam Length | 330 ft |
| Year Completed | 1927 (99 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 120 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 120 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 24 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 6 acres |
| Drainage Area | 21 sq mi |
| Spillway Type | Uncontrolled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Recreation |
| Owner | Aubrey Preston |
| Owner Type | Private |
| Hazard Classification | Significant |
| Last Inspection | 10/04/2023 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Not Required |
Identifiers
| NID ID | TN10105 |
| Federal ID | TN10105 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |