Terrapin Creek - Site 15 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Terrapin Creek - Site 15 is a federal flood risk reduction structure located in Cleburne, Alabama.


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Summary

Managed by the Forest Service and designed by the USDA NRCS, this earth dam stands at 47 feet high with a storage capacity of 683 acre-feet. With a primary purpose of flood risk reduction, the dam features a controlled spillway and vertical lift outlet gates.

Despite its critical role in mitigating flood risks, Terrapin Creek - Site 15 currently has an undetermined hazard potential and is rated as "Not Rated" in terms of condition assessment. The last inspection date was in May 2010, highlighting the need for regular monitoring and maintenance to ensure the dam's effectiveness. The risk assessment for this structure is classified as "Very High (1)", underscoring the importance of implementing appropriate risk management measures.

As a key component of water resource management in the area, Terrapin Creek - Site 15 serves as a crucial infrastructure for flood control in Cleburne, Alabama. Climate and water resource enthusiasts would find this site fascinating for its engineering design, storage capacity, and risk assessment, emphasizing the significance of maintaining and monitoring such structures to safeguard communities and the environment from potential hazards.

Dam Length

720

Dam Height

47

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Hydraulic Height

45

Nid Storage

683

Outlet Gates

Vertical Lift

Hazard Potential

Undetermined

Nid Height

47
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.