Buttahatchee Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Buttahatchee Dam, also known as Lake Buttahatchee Dam, is a state-owned structure located in Marion, Alabama.
°F
°F
mph
Wind
%
Humidity
Summary
Completed in 1960, this dam on the Buttahatchee River serves primarily for recreation purposes, providing a serene and picturesque setting for outdoor enthusiasts. With a hydraulic height of 19 feet and a structural height of 50 feet, it offers a maximum storage capacity of 114 acre-feet for water resource and climate enthusiasts to explore.
Managed by the Mobile District of the US Army Corps of Engineers, Buttahatchee Dam has a significant hazard potential, though its condition assessment remains unrated. Despite being a non-federal structure, the dam has not been subject to state regulation or inspection, highlighting the need for continued monitoring and assessment to ensure its safety and reliability. While the dam does not currently have an Emergency Action Plan in place, ongoing efforts to assess risk and implement management measures are crucial for safeguarding surrounding communities and the local environment.
As a key feature along the Buttahatchee River, Buttahatchee Dam plays a vital role in the recreational landscape of the region. With a length of 400 feet and a maximum discharge capacity of 3000 cubic feet per second, this dam offers both a practical water management solution and a popular destination for fishing, boating, and other outdoor activities. While its condition and risk assessment are yet to be fully evaluated, efforts to enhance safety measures and emergency preparedness will be essential in maintaining the dam's integrity and protecting the surrounding area from potential hazards.
Year Completed |
1960 |
Dam Length |
400 |
River Or Stream |
BUTTAHATCHEE RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Other |
Hydraulic Height |
19 |
Nid Storage |
114 |
Structural Height |
50 |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Nid Height |
50 |
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.
Buttahatchee Dam