State Cattle Ranch Dam No.4 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 19, 2025

State Cattle Ranch Dam No.4, also known as State Prison Dams, is a significant earth dam located in Hale County, Alabama.


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Summary

Constructed in 1972, this dam stands at a structural height of 25 feet and serves multiple purposes, including water supply. With a storage capacity of 246 acre-feet, it plays a crucial role in managing water resources in the region, particularly along the TR-Black Warrior River.

Managed by the state government, State Cattle Ranch Dam No.4 has a low hazard potential and is currently rated as "Not Rated" in terms of its condition assessment. Despite not being regulated or inspected by the state, this dam continues to provide essential water storage and supply functions to the surrounding area. With a maximum discharge capacity of 1700 cubic feet per second, it plays a key role in mitigating flood risks and ensuring water security for the local community.

Located in Port Royal, Alabama, State Cattle Ranch Dam No.4 is a crucial infrastructure in the Mobile District, US Army Corps of Engineers. While lacking in certain regulatory protocols and inspections, this dam remains a vital component in the water resource management system along the Black Warrior River. As climate change continues to impact water availability and quality, the role of dams like State Cattle Ranch Dam No.4 becomes increasingly important in ensuring sustainable water management practices for the future.

Year Completed

1972

Dam Length

825

River Or Stream

TR-BLACK WARRIOR RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Hydraulic Height

22

Nid Storage

246

Structural Height

25

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

25
       
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.