Clifftops Dam
Clifftops Dam is an earth dam located in Marion County, Tennessee, built in 1977. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About Clifftops Dam
The primary purpose of Clifftops Dam is recreation. The dam creates a reservoir used for recreational activities such as fishing, boating, and swimming. The dam is owned by Clifftops P.o.a. (private). It impounds the Falls Branch near Martin Springs.
The dam stands 24 feet tall and stretches 750 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 77 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 992 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 1 square miles. Completed in 1977, the structure is 49 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 12/09/2025.
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 | Marion |
| Nearest City | Martin Springs |
| River/Stream | Falls Branch |
| Coordinates | 35.19083, -85.86278 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 24 ft |
| Dam Length | 750 ft |
| Year Completed | 1977 (49 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 992 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 992 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 500 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 77 acres |
| Drainage Area | 1 sq mi |
| Spillway Type | Uncontrolled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Recreation |
| Owner | Clifftops P.o.a. |
| Owner Type | Private |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 12/09/2025 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | TN11505 |
| Federal ID | TN11505 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |