Beecham Lake Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Located in Piedmont, Alabama, Beecham Lake, also known as Terrapin Creek W/S Dam Site 14, is a private Earth dam designed by the USDA NRCS with a primary purpose of flood risk reduction.
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Summary
Completed in 1964, this structure stands at a height of 39 feet and has a storage capacity of 811 acre-feet. With a surface area of 9 acres and drainage area of 3 square miles, Beecham Lake plays a crucial role in managing the flow of Terrapin Creek and mitigating flood risks in the region.
Despite its high hazard potential, Beecham Lake has not been rated for its condition assessment. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 100 feet and outlet gates that are also uncontrolled. The last inspection of Beecham Lake took place in April 2011, with an inspection frequency of 5 years. While the risk assessment for the dam is moderate, there are no specific risk management measures in place to address potential issues. Water resource and climate enthusiasts interested in Beecham Lake can appreciate its role in safeguarding the surrounding area from flooding and its contribution to the overall water management system in Cleburne, Alabama.
As part of the Mobile District under the jurisdiction of the Alabama state agency, Beecham Lake represents a collaborative effort between private ownership and federal design by the Natural Resources Conservation Service. With its historical significance dating back to the 1960s, this Earth dam stands as a testament to engineering prowess and the importance of maintaining critical infrastructure for water resource management. While Beecham Lake may pose a high hazard potential, its strategic location and design serve as a vital component in the overall flood risk reduction strategy for Terrapin Creek and the surrounding area.
Year Completed |
1964 |
Dam Length |
700 |
Dam Height |
39 |
River Or Stream |
TR-TERRAPIN CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
9 |
Hydraulic Height |
39 |
Drainage Area |
3 |
Nid Storage |
811 |
Structural Height |
39 |
Outlet Gates |
Uncontrolled |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
39 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Terrapin Creek At Ellisville Al
|
126cfs |
Cedar Creek Near Cedartown
|
90cfs |
Cedar Creek At Ga Ave At Cedartown
|
5cfs |
Tallapoosa River Below Tallapoosa
|
107cfs |
Tallapoosa River Near Heflin
|
256cfs |
Coosa River Near Rome
|
3930cfs |
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.
Area Campgrounds
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Chief Ladiga Trail Campground
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Coleman Lake Rec Area
|
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Coleman Lake Recreation Area
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Beecham Lake