Ellis Wise Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Ray Boyd Murdock Lake
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Ellis Wise Dam, located in Samson, Alabama, serves multiple purposes including fire protection, stock, small fish pond, fish and wildlife pond, and recreation.
°F
°F
mph
Wind
%
Humidity
Summary
Constructed in 1970 by the USDA NRCS, this earth dam stands at a height of 27 feet and spans 425 feet in length. The dam has a storage capacity of 85 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 42 acre-feet.
The primary purpose of Ellis Wise Dam is to support fish and wildlife in the area, making it a vital resource for conservation efforts in Coffee County, Alabama. The dam is classified as low hazard potential and has a moderate risk assessment rating. While the dam has not been inspected recently, it is designed to handle a maximum discharge of 1303 cubic feet per second through an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 100 feet.
Despite its low hazard potential, Ellis Wise Dam remains an important structure for the local community, providing essential water resources for both wildlife and recreational activities. As a private-owned dam, it stands as a testament to the collaborative efforts between private landowners and government agencies in preserving and managing water resources in the region.
Year Completed |
1970 |
Dam Length |
425 |
Dam Height |
27 |
River Or Stream |
TR TIGHT EYE CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Drainage Area |
0.66 |
Nid Storage |
85 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
27 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Little Double Bridges Creek Nr Enterprise
|
10cfs |
Pea River Near Samson Al
|
1490cfs |
Choctawhatchee River Near Bellwood Al
|
1050cfs |
Choctawhatchee River Nr Pittman
|
2800cfs |
Conecuh River At Brantley Al
|
482cfs |
Choctawhatchee River Near Newton
|
575cfs |
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.
Ellis Wise Dam