Johnston S Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Johnston S Dam, also known as Johnston S Corral Dam, is a private earth dam located in Pickens, Alabama.


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Summary

Built in 1973 by the USDA NRCS, this dam serves multiple purposes including fire protection, stock, and small fish pond. With a height of 20 feet and a length of 800 feet, Johnston S Dam has a storage capacity of 92 acre-feet and a drainage area of 0.23 square miles. The dam is situated on Fenache Creek-offstream and is managed by the Natural Resources Conservation Service.

Despite its low hazard potential, Johnston S Dam poses a moderate risk (rating of 3) due to its age and lack of recent condition assessments. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 30 feet and has not been inspected in recent years. While it does not fall under state jurisdiction for regulation, inspection, or enforcement, Johnston S Dam remains an important structure for water resource and climate enthusiasts in the region. Its association with fire protection, stock, and recreational activities make it a valuable asset for the community.

As a privately owned dam with no federal oversight, Johnston S Dam represents a unique case of local management and stewardship. While it may not have the same level of regulatory scrutiny as federally owned dams, its role in providing water resources for fire protection and recreational activities highlights the importance of private infrastructure in supporting community needs. For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Johnston S Dam serves as a fascinating example of how privately managed structures can contribute to local water management efforts and enhance the resilience of ecosystems in the face of changing climate conditions.

Year Completed

1973

Dam Length

800

Dam Height

20

River Or Stream

FENACHE CREEK-OFFSTREAM

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Drainage Area

0.23

Nid Storage

92

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

20
       
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.