Watkins Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Killingsworth Lake Dam Bagwell Lake
Last Updated: December 21, 2025
Watkins Lake Dam, also known as Watkins Dam, is a private earth dam located in the Luxapallila Church Community in Fayette, Alabama.
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Summary
Built in 1950 by the USDA NRCS, this dam stands at 18 feet high and spans 250 feet in length, serving primarily for recreational purposes. Situated on the TR-Luxapallila Creek, this dam has a storage capacity of 107 acre-feet and a drainage area of 0.63 square miles.
With a moderate risk assessment rating and a significant hazard potential, Watkins Lake Dam poses a potential threat if not properly maintained. Despite not being state-regulated or inspected, the dam's uncontrolled spillway with a width of 35 feet and a maximum discharge of 405 cubic feet per second could lead to significant flooding downstream in case of a breach. While its condition assessment is marked as "Not Rated," the dam's emergency action plan status and risk management measures remain unclear, raising concerns for the safety and resilience of the surrounding community and environment.
As water resource and climate enthusiasts, the data on Watkins Lake Dam highlights the importance of proactive management and oversight of critical infrastructure like dams. With its historical significance and potential risks, it serves as a reminder of the need for regular inspections, maintenance, and emergency preparedness to ensure the safety of downstream communities and the preservation of water resources in the Luxapallila Church Community and beyond.
Year Completed |
1950 |
Dam Length |
250 |
Dam Height |
18 |
River Or Stream |
TR-LUXAPALLILA CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Drainage Area |
0.63 |
Nid Storage |
107 |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Nid Height |
18 |
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.
Watkins Lake Dam