Ramsey Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Ramsey is a privately owned earth dam located in Grundy, Tennessee, near Payne Lake.


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Summary

Built in 1960, this structure stands at a hydraulic height of 16.2 feet and a structural height of 21.5 feet, with a dam length of 560 feet. It has a NID storage capacity of 821 acre-feet, providing a normal storage capacity of 331 acre-feet and covering a surface area of 69 acres. The dam serves the primary purpose of regulating the flow of the Corn Branch stream.

Despite its age, Ramsey poses a high hazard potential due to its condition assessment being listed as "Not Rated." However, the risk assessment for the dam is moderate, with a score of 3 out of 5. The last inspection was conducted in May 2016, with an inspection frequency of 5 years. The dam lacks certain safety features such as a controlled spillway, outlet gates, and emergency action plans, raising concerns about its ability to handle potential emergencies effectively.

Overall, Ramsey represents a significant water resource in the area, playing a crucial role in managing water flow and storage. With its high hazard potential and moderate risk assessment, there is a need for regular monitoring and potential updates to ensure the safety and functionality of this essential infrastructure in the face of changing climate conditions.

Year Completed

1960

Dam Length

560

River Or Stream

CORN BRANCH

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

69

Hydraulic Height

16.2

Drainage Area

1.31

Nid Storage

821

Structural Height

21.5

Outlet Gates

None

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

22
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

Dam Data Reference

Condition Assessment

Satisfactory
No 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

High
Dams 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.