Sanford Johnson Reservoir Report
Nearby: Herring Lake #1 H A Vaughan Jr
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Sanford Johnson is a private recreation dam located in Macon, Alabama, near the city of Magnolia Church.
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Summary
Built in 1965, this Earth-type dam stands at a hydraulic height of 27 feet and a structural height of 30 feet, with a length of 300 feet. It serves a primary purpose of recreation, offering a storage capacity of 60 acre-feet and a maximum discharge of 509 cubic feet per second.
Situated on the TP Opintlocco Creek in the Mobile District, Sanford Johnson 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 provides opportunities for outdoor activities and water-based recreation in the region. With its tranquil surroundings and historical significance dating back over half a century, Sanford Johnson offers a glimpse into the intersection of water resource management and climate resilience in Alabama.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Sanford Johnson represents a unique blend of engineering ingenuity and environmental stewardship. As a privately owned structure with a focus on recreation, this dam serves as a reminder of the importance of balancing human needs with the preservation of natural resources. Its location in Macon County, Alabama, showcases the rich diversity of ecosystems in the region and the role that infrastructure plays in enhancing the quality of life for residents and visitors alike.
Year Completed |
1965 |
Dam Length |
300 |
River Or Stream |
TP OPINTLOCCO CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
27 |
Nid Storage |
60 |
Structural Height |
30 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
30 |
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.
Sanford Johnson