Pates Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Pates Lake Dam, also known as Dillburg Pates Lake Dam, is a privately owned earth dam located in Pickens, Alabama.
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Summary
Built in 1945 by the USDA NRCS, this dam serves as a recreational site along the TR-Lubub Creek. Standing at a height of 27 feet and with a length of 800 feet, the dam has a storage capacity of 692 acre-feet and a maximum discharge rate of 1750 cfs. Although the dam has an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 125 feet, its hazard potential is rated as low, with a moderate risk assessment score of 3.
Despite being privately owned, Pates Lake Dam is not regulated by the state, nor does it require state permitting, inspection, or enforcement. The dam is primarily used for recreational purposes, attracting water resource and climate enthusiasts to its serene location in Cunningham Camp. While the dam's condition assessment is currently not rated, its risk management measures and emergency action plan readiness are not disclosed. With its historical significance dating back to the mid-20th century, Pates Lake Dam continues to be a noteworthy landmark in the region, offering a glimpse into Alabama's water resource management practices and its impact on the surrounding environment.
Year Completed |
1945 |
Dam Length |
800 |
Dam Height |
27 |
River Or Stream |
TR-LUBUB CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Drainage Area |
1.7 |
Nid Storage |
692 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
27 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Tombigbee River At Bevill L&D Nr Pickensville
|
7340cfs |
Sipsey River Nr Elrod
|
291cfs |
Noxubee River Nr Geiger
|
188cfs |
Tombigbee R At Gainesville L&D Nr Gainesville Al
|
3040cfs |
Noxubee River At Macon
|
146cfs |
Luxapallila Creek Nr Columbus
|
563cfs |
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.
Pates Lake Dam