Hamilton Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Hamilton Dam, located in Chewacla State Park in Lee County, Alabama, was completed in 1942 for the primary purpose of recreation.


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Summary

This earth dam stands at a structural height of 12 feet and a hydraulic height of 7 feet, with a length of 120 feet. The dam has a storage capacity of 100 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 70 acre-feet, serving the surrounding area for leisure activities.

Despite its low hazard potential and current condition assessment of "Not Rated," Hamilton Dam has not been subject to recent inspections or evaluations. The dam sits on TR-Chewacla Creek and is managed privately, with no federal or state agencies regulating or inspecting its operations. The dam's emergency action plan status, risk assessment, and inundation mapping preparedness remain unknown, raising questions about its overall safety and readiness for potential emergencies.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Hamilton Dam presents an intriguing case study of a privately-owned recreational structure with limited oversight and assessment. The dam's historical significance, design features, and lack of recent evaluations underscore the importance of proactive monitoring and maintenance to ensure the safety and resilience of water infrastructure in the face of changing climate conditions and potential hazards.

Year Completed

1942

Dam Length

120

River Or Stream

TR-CHEWACLA CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Hydraulic Height

7

Nid Storage

100

Structural Height

12

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

12
       
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.