Shirley Reservoir Report
Nearby: Lee Merriweather W J Sorrell
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Shirley is a private water resource structure located in Montgomery, Alabama, specifically in the city of Mathews.
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Summary
Built in 1950, Shirley serves multiple purposes including fire protection, livestock watering, and small fish pond management. The dam is classified as an earth dam with a hydraulic height of 7 feet and a structural height of 11 feet. It has a storage capacity of 66 acre-feet and a normal storage level of 35 acre-feet.
Situated on TR McDowell Creek, Shirley has a low hazard potential and is currently rated as "Not Rated" in terms of condition assessment. The dam has not been inspected recently, and its emergency action plan status remains unknown. With a maximum discharge capacity of 2266 cubic feet per second, Shirley plays a crucial role in managing water resources in the area. The dam has not undergone any significant modifications and does not have any associated structures or locks.
Overall, Shirley is a vital water resource structure in Alabama, contributing to fire protection, livestock management, and fish pond maintenance. While it has a low hazard potential, regular inspections and maintenance are essential to ensure its continued functionality and safety. The dam's location on TR McDowell Creek and its historical significance make it an important part of the local water resource management system in Montgomery County.
Year Completed |
1950 |
Dam Length |
750 |
River Or Stream |
TR MCDOWELL CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
7 |
Nid Storage |
66 |
Structural Height |
11 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
11 |
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.
Shirley