Chief Creek Dam
Chief Creek Dam is an earth dam located in Lewis County, Tennessee, built in 1970. It carries a Significant hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About Chief Creek Dam
Chief Creek Dam is a dam in Lewis, Tennessee. The dam is owned by Natchez Trace Wilderness Preserve (private). It impounds the Chief Creek near Napier.
The dam stands 55 feet tall and stretches 690 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 96 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 3,130 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 14 square miles. Completed in 1970, 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 07/08/2024.
At 55 feet, this dam is taller than 94% of dams nationwide.
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Location
| State | Tennessee |
| County | Lewis |
| Nearest City | Napier |
| River/Stream | Chief Creek |
| Coordinates | 35.43750, -87.47222 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 55 ft |
| Dam Length | 690 ft |
| Year Completed | 1970 (56 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 3,130 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 3,130 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 1,520 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 96 acres |
| Drainage Area | 14 sq mi |
| Spillway Type | Uncontrolled |
Ownership & Safety
| Owner | Natchez Trace Wilderness Preserve |
| Owner Type | Private |
| Hazard Classification | Significant |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 07/08/2024 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Not Required |
Identifiers
| NID ID | TN10106 |
| Federal ID | TN10106 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |