Buchanan Reservoir Report
Nearby: Lake L U Dam Daisy Falls Dam
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Buchanan, also known as Luther Coggins Dam, is a private dam located in Sumter County, Alabama, specifically in the city of Miller Hill Church.
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Summary
Built in 1958, this earth dam stands at a structural height of 15 feet with a hydraulic height of 12 feet, serving primarily for recreation purposes and water supply. The dam has a storage capacity of 158 acre-feet with a maximum discharge rate of 950 cubic feet per second.
Situated on TR-Factory Creek within the Mobile District, Buchanan Dam has a low hazard potential and is currently not rated for its condition. Despite not being state regulated, inspected, or permitted, the dam continues to serve its purpose effectively for the local community. With no associated structures and a distance of 4 miles from the nearest river or stream, the dam remains a key feature in the recreational and water supply activities in the area.
As a significant structure in Congressional District 07 of Alabama, Buchanan Dam has played a crucial role in providing water resources and recreational opportunities for the region. Owned privately, this dam exemplifies the importance of maintaining and managing water infrastructure to meet the needs of both residents and the environment. Despite its low hazard potential, ongoing monitoring and assessment are essential to ensure the safety and functionality of Buchanan Dam for years to come.
Year Completed |
1958 |
Dam Length |
500 |
River Or Stream |
TR-FACTORY CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
12 |
Nid Storage |
158 |
Structural Height |
15 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
15 |
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.
Buchanan