R L Mcdowell Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Tom Belcher Pond Craig Field Lake Dam
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
R L Mcdowell Dam, located in Cahaba, Alabama, is a private earth dam constructed in 1966 by the USDA NRCS for the primary purpose of creating a Fish and Wildlife Pond.
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Summary
The dam stands at 23 feet in height and spans 300 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 273 acre-feet. Situated on the TR-ALABAMA RIVER, the dam serves as a vital resource for the local ecosystem, providing habitat for various fish and wildlife species.
Despite its low hazard potential, the dam is not currently rated for its condition, and there have been no recent inspection reports available. The risk assessment for the dam is moderate, indicating a level 3 risk. While the dam does not have a designated Emergency Action Plan (EAP) or inundation maps prepared, it is crucial for stakeholders to monitor and manage any potential risks associated with the structure to ensure the safety of surrounding communities and the environment. With its scenic location and importance for wildlife conservation, R L Mcdowell Dam remains a significant landmark in the water resource management landscape of Alabama.
Year Completed |
1966 |
Dam Length |
300 |
Dam Height |
23 |
River Or Stream |
TR-ALABAMA RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Drainage Area |
0.78 |
Nid Storage |
273 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
23 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Cahaba River Near Marion Junction Al
|
773cfs |
Mulberry Creek At Jones Al
|
110cfs |
Pine Barren Creek Near Snow Hill
|
96cfs |
Alabama River Near Montgomery
|
11100cfs |
Cahaba River At Centreville Al
|
366cfs |
Catoma Creek Near Montgomery Al
|
1cfs |
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.
R L Mcdowell Dam