W J Ellis Reservoir Report
Nearby: Carter Lake Dam Mcmillan
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Located in Escambia, Alabama, the W J Ellis dam stands as a testament to water resource management and climate resilience.
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Summary
Built in 1964, this private-owned dam on TR-Murder Creek serves a primary purpose of "Other," showcasing its versatility in water management. With a hydraulic height of 22 feet and a structural height of 24 feet, W J Ellis plays a significant role in flood control and water storage, with a storage capacity of 123 acre-feet.
Despite not being state-regulated, W J Ellis is deemed to have a "Significant" hazard potential, highlighting the importance of proper maintenance and monitoring. The dam's condition is currently "Not Rated," emphasizing the need for ongoing assessments to ensure its structural integrity and safety. Furthermore, with a maximum discharge of 456 cubic feet per second, the dam plays a crucial role in managing water flow and mitigating flood risks in the area.
Although lacking certain regulatory oversight, W J Ellis remains a key feature in the water infrastructure of Alabama, showcasing the importance of private ownership in water resource management. As climate change continues to impact water resources, structures like W J Ellis will play a vital role in adapting to the evolving challenges of a changing climate.
Year Completed |
1964 |
Dam Length |
460 |
River Or Stream |
TR-MURDER CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
22 |
Nid Storage |
123 |
Structural Height |
24 |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Nid Height |
24 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
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.
W J Ellis