Sawmill Branch Reservoir Report
Nearby: Hurricane Creek #8 Simmons #2
Last Updated: December 10, 2025
Sawmill Branch, located in Hurricane Mills, Tennessee, is a privately owned Earth dam built in 1963 with a hydraulic height of 14.8 feet and a structural height of 15.2 feet.
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Summary
It serves the purpose of storing water with a maximum capacity of 54 acre-feet and a normal storage of 53 acre-feet. Covering a surface area of 9 acres and draining a 0.47 square mile area, this dam on the Sawmill Branch river stream plays a crucial role in water resource management in Dickson County.
Despite being classified as having a low hazard potential, Sawmill Branch dam has a moderate risk rating, indicating the need for ongoing monitoring and management. Although it has not been assessed for condition, the dam has not been rated, and emergency preparedness measures such as an Emergency Action Plan (EAP) are not reported as being in place. With the last inspection date in October 2020 and an inspection frequency of 5 years, it is essential for stakeholders to prioritize safety and maintenance to ensure the long-term stability and function of this vital water infrastructure.
As water resource and climate enthusiasts, understanding the intricacies of dams like Sawmill Branch sheds light on the importance of sustainable water management practices. With the dam's location in the Nashville District and oversight by the Tennessee state regulatory agency, the dam serves as a reminder of the critical role that infrastructure plays in balancing water supply, flood control, and environmental preservation in the region. Ongoing collaboration and investment in monitoring and maintenance will be key to ensuring the resilience of Sawmill Branch and similar structures in the face of changing climate conditions and growing water resource demands.
Year Completed |
1963 |
Dam Length |
457 |
River Or Stream |
SAWMILL BRANCH |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
9 |
Hydraulic Height |
14.8 |
Drainage Area |
0.47 |
Nid Storage |
54 |
Structural Height |
15.2 |
Outlet Gates |
None |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
15 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Yellow Creek At Ellis Mills
|
43cfs |
Duck River Above Hurricane Mills
|
2800cfs |
Piney River At Vernon
|
102cfs |
Duck River At Hwy 100 At Centerville
|
2270cfs |
Harpeth River Near Kingston Springs
|
494cfs |
Buffalo River Below Lobelville
|
571cfs |
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.
Sawmill Branch