Sinkholes in Clay County, TN | Tennessee Sinkholes

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Sinkholes in Clay County, TN | Tennessee Sinkholes

Clay County, TN Sinkhole Map

Sinkhole Count: 280

Clay County, TN FAQs

  • located in Middle Tennessee
  • -has a rich history that dates back to its early settlement by Native American tribes

Early Native American Inhabitants

  • was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Cherokee and Shawnee. These tribes relied on the fertile land and abundant natural resources of the region for their sustenance and way of life.

European Settlement

  • European settlers began arriving in the area in the late 18th century, primarily from Virginia and North Carolina
  • was initially part of the territory ceded by the Cherokee to the United States in the Treaty of Tellico in 1798
  • in 1804, the Tennessee General Assembly established Clay County from parts of Jackson and Overton counties, with the county seat initially located in Palmyra

Civil War

  • Many residents of Clay County served in both Union and Confederate forces. 
  • experienced skirmishes and raids from both sides, and the war had a significant impact on the local economy and way of life

What are the notable landmarks in Clay County, TN?

  • Dale Hollow Lake
      • a large reservoir located in Clay County, along with parts of Kentucky and Tennessee
      • known for its clear blue waters and is a popular destination for boating, fishing, camping, and water sports
      • surrounded by picturesque scenery and is a major recreational attraction in the region.
  • Standing Stone State Park
      • a 855-acre state park located in Clay County
      • named after the Standing Stone, a large rock standing upright on a hilltop within the park
      • features a lake, hiking trails, picnic areas, and a campground, offering opportunities for camping, fishing, boating, and hiking
  • Cordell Hull Birthplace State Park
      • a historical site and state park located in Clay County
      • the birthplace of Cordell Hull, who served as U.S. Secretary of State and won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1945
      • features a museum showcasing the life and career of Cordell Hull, as well as a replica of his birthplace cabin
  • Celina Ferry Bridge
      • historic bridge located in Celina, the county seat of Clay County
      • a covered bridge that spans the Cumberland River and is one of the last remaining covered bridges in Tennessee
      • a popular spot for photography and sightseeing
  • Dale Hollow Dam
    • a concrete gravity dam located on the Cumberland River in Clay County
    • completed in the 1940s and created Dale Hollow Lake
    • an impressive engineering feat and is operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
    • visitors can tour the dam and learn about its history and operation.
  • Boating and fishing: With Dale Hollow Lake and the Cumberland River running through Clay County, boating and fishing are popular recreational activities. Visitors can enjoy boating, fishing, kayaking, and canoeing in the pristine waters of Dale Hollow Lake and the Cumberland River, which are known for their excellent fishing opportunities.
  • Hiking and camping: Clay County is home to several state parks and natural areas that offer opportunities for hiking and camping. Standing Stone State Park, Obey River Park, and Donaldson State Forest are just a few of the areas where visitors can enjoy hiking on scenic trails and camping in beautiful natural surroundings.
  • Hunting: Clay County has abundant wildlife, making it a popular destination for hunting enthusiasts. There are public hunting lands and wildlife management areas within the county where visitors can enjoy hunting for deer, turkey, and other game.
  • Golfing: The Hidden Valley Golf and Country Club, located in Clay County, offers a challenging 18-hole golf course set in the beautiful rolling hills of Tennessee. Golfers can enjoy a round of golf while taking in the picturesque scenery of the surrounding countryside.
  • Water sports: In addition to boating and fishing, Dale Hollow Lake and the Cumberland River also offer opportunities for other water sports such as water skiing, jet skiing, and swimming. The clear blue waters of Dale Hollow Lake are perfect for water-based recreational activities.
  • Horseback riding: Horseback riding is a popular recreational activity in Clay County, with numerous trails and scenic routes available for riders of all skill levels. Horseback riding is a great way to explore the county’s natural beauty and enjoy the serene countryside.
  • Wildlife watching and photography: Clay County is home to diverse wildlife, including deer, turkey, waterfowl, and other species. Wildlife watching and photography are popular activities for nature enthusiasts who can observe and capture the beauty of the local flora and fauna in their natural habitats.

Sports and recreational facilities: Clay County has various sports and recreational facilities, including community parks, playgrounds, and sports fields, where visitors can enjoy activities such as basketball, softball, soccer, and more.

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Sinkholes in Clay County, TN

Tennessee’s karst geology makes unique landscapes. Clay County is known for its many sinkholes. Recent studies found 102 big depressions and 286 total features here.

Karst systems form over time as water erodes limestone. Geologists like Sutherland say East Tennessee is at risk because of its old rock layers. Clay County has a lot of 3-meter-deep sinkholes, but Anderson County has even more at 625 sites.

Maps show sinkholes cluster where water can easily get through the rock. The University of Tennessee’s Institute of Agriculture says these areas match fault lines and porous limestone. This makes the ground unstable and prone to collapse during heavy rain or when water moves underground.

Knowing about these patterns helps people and planners understand risks in areas like TN. This data is key to seeing how nature and human activities interact in the changing landscape.

Recent & Notable Sinkhole Incidents / Case Studies

Clay County, TN, has seen a lot of sinkhole activity in recent years. This is because of changes in the ground beneath it. Scientists have used satellite images and ground surveys to track these changes.

Documented Sinkhole Activity (2003–2023)

Studies show that sinkholes in Clay County have increased by 16% over 20 years. In 2003, there were 88 sinkholes, and by 2023, that number had grown to 102. Scientists are focusing on two main areas:

  • Millstone Sink: Expanded from 97′ to 102′ depth in just a few years
  • Hills Sink: Grew by 23 feet between 2015 and 2023

Models of the ground’s elevation show how the ground is slowly sinking. Unlike some places, sinkholes in Clay County grow very slowly. They usually sink by 0.5–1.2 inches each year.

Structural Impact Analysis

Experts have looked at how sinkholes affect buildings and roads. In 2014, a study found seven areas where the ground was sinking along County Highway 53. Three of these areas needed expensive repairs to fix the roads. But, so far, homes have not been badly affected.

Feature Clay County Cumberland County
Average Depth 50.5′ 140.1′
Sinkholes per Sq Mile 3.2 1.8
Notable Formation Millstone Sink Grassy Cove

Even though Clay County’s sinkholes are not as deep, they are more common. Scientists are working hard to catch these problems early. This helps avoid damage to buildings and roads.

Risk Factors & What Homeowners Should Do

Clay County faces special challenges because of its geology and old infrastructure. The water pipes here are 42 years old on average. This makes them more likely to leak and cause sinkholes.

Seasonal changes in groundwater add to the problem. This makes the ground unstable. Homeowners need to take steps to manage their properties well.

Mitigation Strategies for Residents

Getting your foundation checked every year is a good idea. Look for small cracks or doors that don’t align right. Make sure water flows away from your house by at least 10 feet.

Use graded landscaping or French drains for this. If your house is near a known sinkhole area, get a radar survey every 3-5 years. Sinkhole maps can help you understand the risks in your neighborhood before you buy a house.

Professional Monitoring Recommendations

Geo/Environmental Associates suggests checking your property’s geology every six months if it has clay soil or has sunk before. The Tennessee Department of Environment & Conservation gets 127 sinkhole reports a year. They use a karst reporting system to track them.

It’s also important to check your insurance. While Tennessee requires sinkhole coverage, only 38% of policies in Clay County had it in 2023.

Take photos of any changes to your property and call a licensed engineer if you notice sudden depressions. TDEC’s hotline (615-532-0570) is available 24/7 for sinkhole concerns. Regular maintenance and expert checks can help protect your home in Tennessee’s changing karst landscape.

FAQ

How many verified sinkholes exist in Clay County?

The USGS and 2023 DEM analysis found 102 significant sinkholes over 3 meters deep. There are 286 karst depressions in total across Clay County.

Why is Clay County prone to sinkhole formation?

Clay County is on soluble Knox Group limestone, common in East Tennessee. University of Tennessee research shows high dissolution rates due to groundwater and bedrock.

What are the largest documented sinkholes in Clay County?

Millstone Sink is 102 feet deep, and Hills Sink is 140 feet deep. Both have grown in size, with Hills Sink’s diameter increasing 6.2% by 2015.

How does Clay County’s sinkhole risk compare to neighboring counties?

Anderson County has more sinkholes (625), but Clay County’s density is higher at 4.3 per square mile. Depths are shallower than Cumberland County’s but riskier.

What infrastructure has been impacted by subsidence?

TDOT found seven subsidence zones on County Highway 53 in 2014. They require stabilization. Monitoring happens every six months with radar and TDEC.

What proactive measures do geologists recommend for homeowners?

Homeowners should check foundations yearly, manage stormwater, and use GPR. TDEC requires karst disclosure, and Clay County has mitigation rules.

How have sinkhole frequencies changed between 2003 and 2023?

Sinkholes grew from 88 to 102 between 2003 and 2023. This 15.9% increase matches TDEC’s 2023 Karst Hazard Atlas.

Where should residents report sinkhole activity?

Report sinkholes to TDEC’s karst portal or Clay County’s geology hotline (931-243-2321). This triggers inspections within 72 hours.
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