Signal Mountain Cement Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Signal Mountain Cement is a privately owned dam located in Hamilton, Tennessee, and regulated by the Tennessee Safe Dams Program.


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Summary

Completed in 1977, this earth-type dam serves the primary purpose of water supply, with a height of 16.5 feet and a hydraulic height of 11 feet. With a storage capacity of 62 acre-feet, the dam covers a surface area of 5.7 acres and has a drainage area of 0.53 square miles.

Despite its low hazard potential and satisfactory condition assessment, Signal Mountain Cement is subject to regular inspections by state regulatory agencies. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway and has no outlet gates. The last inspection was conducted in July 2020, with a frequency of every 3 years. In the event of an emergency, the dam's Emergency Action Plan status and compliance with guidelines are currently unspecified.

Overall, Signal Mountain Cement provides a vital water resource for the surrounding area, with a moderate risk assessment rating. While the dam has not been modified in recent years and does not have a designated Emergency Action Plan, its risk management measures are not explicitly stated. Climate and water resource enthusiasts can appreciate the complex interplay of environmental factors and regulatory oversight involved in the maintenance and operation of this essential infrastructure.

Year Completed

1977

Dam Length

160

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

5.7

Hydraulic Height

11

Drainage Area

0.53

Nid Storage

62

Structural Height

16.5

Outlet Gates

None

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

17
       
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.