Tennessee Silica Reservoir Report
Nearby: Pond 6 Dam Settling Pond
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Tennessee Silica, a privately owned dam located in Benton, Tennessee, is regulated by the Tennessee Safe Dams Program.
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Summary
Completed in 1983, this earth dam stands at a structural height of 37 feet and has a hydraulic height of 20 feet. With a storage capacity of 286 acre-feet and a surface area of 15.5 acres, Tennessee Silica serves as a vital water resource in the region.
Despite its low hazard potential and satisfactory condition assessment, Tennessee Silica is subject to regular inspections by the state regulatory agency. The dam has a moderate risk assessment rating of 3, indicating a need for ongoing risk management measures. The last inspection in February 2019 determined the dam to be in good condition, with no immediate concerns regarding its safety or operation.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Tennessee Silica provides a fascinating case study of a privately owned dam in a rural setting. Its location within the Nashville District and its importance for water storage and management make it a noteworthy structure in the region. With its history, design specifications, and regulatory oversight, Tennessee Silica offers valuable insights into the intersection of infrastructure, water resources, and environmental stewardship in Tennessee.
Year Completed |
1983 |
Dam Length |
625 |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
15.5 |
Hydraulic Height |
20 |
Drainage Area |
0.12 |
Nid Storage |
286 |
Structural Height |
37 |
Outlet Gates |
None |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
37 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Big Sandy River At Bruceton
|
182cfs |
Cypress Creek At Camden
|
5cfs |
Crooked Creek Near Huntingdon
|
38cfs |
Duck River Above Hurricane Mills
|
3660cfs |
Buffalo River Below Lobelville
|
618cfs |
South Fork Obion River Near Greenfield
|
237cfs |
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. Acceptable performance is expected under all loading conditions (static, hydrologic, seismic) in accordance with the minimum applicable state or federal regulatory criteria or tolerable risk guidelines.
Fair
No existing dam safety deficiencies are recognized for normal operating conditions. Rare or extreme hydrologic and/or seismic events may result in a dam safety deficiency. Risk may be in the range to take further action. Note: Rare or extreme event is defined by the regulatory agency based on their minimum
Poor A dam safety deficiency is recognized for normal operating conditions which may realistically occur. Remedial action is necessary. POOR may also be used when uncertainties exist as to critical analysis parameters which identify a potential dam safety deficiency. Investigations and studies are necessary.
Unsatisfactory
A dam safety deficiency is recognized that requires immediate or emergency remedial action for problem resolution.
Not Rated
The dam has not been inspected, is not under state or federal jurisdiction, or has been inspected but, for whatever reason, has not been rated.
Not Available
Dams for which the condition assessment is restricted to approved government users.
Hazard Potential Classification
HighDams assigned the high hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation will probably cause loss of human life.
Significant
Dams assigned the significant hazard potential classification are those dams where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life but can cause economic loss, environment damage, disruption of lifeline facilities, or impact other concerns. Significant hazard potential classification dams are often located in predominantly rural or agricultural areas but could be in areas with population and significant infrastructure.
Low
Dams assigned the low hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life and low economic and/or environmental losses. Losses are principally limited to the owner's property.
Undetermined
Dams for which a downstream hazard potential has not been designated or is not provided.
Not Available
Dams for which the downstream hazard potential is restricted to approved government users.
Tennessee Silica