North Fork Creek #5 Dam
North Fork Creek #5 Dam is an earth dam located in Shelby County, Tennessee, built in 1992. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About North Fork Creek #5 Dam
North Fork Creek #5 Dam is a dam in Shelby, Tennessee. The dam is owned by Chickasaw Basin Authority (state). It impounds the North Fork Creek near Memphis.
The dam stands 30 feet tall and stretches 5,800 feet across, has a maximum storage capacity of 7,875 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 10 square miles. Completed in 1992, the structure is 34 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 01/13/2026.
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 | Shelby |
| Nearest City | Memphis |
| River/Stream | North Fork Creek |
| Coordinates | 35.37222, -89.89111 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 30 ft |
| Dam Length | 5,800 ft |
| Year Completed | 1992 (34 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 7,875 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 7,875 acre-ft |
| Drainage Area | 10 sq mi |
| Spillway Type | Uncontrolled |
Ownership & Safety
| Owner | Chickasaw Basin Authority |
| Owner Type | State |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 01/13/2026 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | TN15795 |
| Federal ID | TN15795 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |