Sevier County Sinkhole, TN

Eastern Tennessee’s karst terrain is unique, with sinkholes forming often. Sevier County is in a region where limestone dissolves, creating depressions. These can be small changes or sudden collapses.

Statewide, 20% of Tennessee’s land has similar karst systems. But Sevier County has 590 documented sinkholes, showing it’s more vulnerable.

Recent studies found 236 sinkholes over 3 meters deep in the area. Big Sink is a notable example, with depths as deep as multi-story buildings. This shows why it’s important to watch these formations closely.

Over the past 20 years, sinkhole incidents have increased. While most don’t cause much trouble, some damage buildings or change how land is used. Experts say groundwater changes and human actions speed up erosion.

To learn more about Tennessee’s karst landscapes, check out Tennessee’s karst landscapes. Data shows Sevier County’s sinkholes cover over half a square kilometer. Some are as deep as 79 feet. This highlights the area’s large and complex underground networks.

Recent & Notable Sinkhole Incidents / Case Studies

Sevier County’s karst landscape has seen many sinkholes form over the years. Geological surveys have found 27 sinkholes over 3 meters deep. These events show how limestone is vulnerable and how people need to know about sinkhole risks.

Documented Events (2003–2023)

Big Sink (2005): This sinkhole is Tennessee’s second-deepest at 261 feet. It’s near Gatlinburg and formed after heavy rain made the rock unstable.

Hell Hole (2012): This sinkhole is 122 feet deep and showed how underground spaces are connected. Studies found it was linked to old fault lines, showing the area’s geological weaknesses.

2018 Great Smoky Mountains National Park Incident

In 2018, a report of a huge sinkhole in the park went viral. But it was an April Fools’ joke. Even though it was fake, it made people worry more about sinkholes.

Other counties have fewer sinkholes. For example, Blount County has 14 and Cocke County has 9. Sevier County has more because of its limestone and mining history.

The 2009 Cookeville LiDAR study helped map sinkholes better. Now, we can find at-risk areas by analyzing elevation changes and modeling underground spaces.

Risk Factors & What Homeowners Should Do

Sevier County TN has a unique landscape. About 64% of its land is karst terrain, as surveys show. Homeowners in areas with limestone or past sinkhole activity need to take action.

Identifying Vulnerable Properties

There are three main signs of high sinkhole risk. Properties near exposed limestone, as found in the 2001 Shofner study, are more at risk. Also, poor drainage systems can cause water to erode underground.

Buildings on filled sinkholes, common in the mid-2000s, often face stability problems.

Effective Protection Strategies

Professional sinkhole risk assessments are key. They use ArcMap to analyze depressions, a method used consistently from 2013. Before buying land or renovating, geotechnical evaluations are essential.

Improving drainage, like Cookeville did in 2009, helps reduce pressure on bedrock. This can prevent sinkholes.

Homeowners should watch for signs like large cracks, doors and windows that won’t close, or sudden yard ponds. Knox County’s program shows the value of regular checks and quick fixes. In Tennessee, you need special insurance for sinkhole damage.

Using new mapping tech and old-school observation helps protect properties. Acting early based on solid data saves money and keeps buildings safe in Sevier County TN’s karst area.

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