Mchugh Lake Dam, located in West Rising Star Church, Alabama, stands as a private earth dam completed in 1954 primarily for recreational purposes.
Wind
Humidity
The dam impounds water from Dusty Branch, creating a reservoir with a maximum storage capacity of 270 acre-feet and a normal storage level of 260 acre-feet. With a structural height of 31 feet and a hydraulic height of 27 feet, the dam serves as a significant hazard potential structure in the area.
Managed by the Mobile District of the US Army Corps of Engineers, Mchugh Lake Dam has not been rated for its condition assessment, and no emergency action plan (EAP) has been prepared or updated. Despite lacking state regulation and inspection, the dam's risk assessment, risk management measures, and inundation maps remain undisclosed. The dam's close proximity to Congressional District 07, Alabama, under the representation of Terri A. Sewell (D), adds a political dimension to its oversight and maintenance.
Water resource and climate enthusiasts interested in Mchugh Lake Dam will find its historical significance, recreational purpose, and potential risks compelling. The lack of comprehensive data on its condition assessment, emergency preparedness, and risk management underscores the importance of ongoing monitoring and maintenance to ensure the safety and integrity of this essential water infrastructure in Dallas County, Alabama.
Year Completed |
1954 |
Dam Length |
600 |
River Or Stream |
DUSTY BRANCH |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
27 |
Nid Storage |
270 |
Structural Height |
31 |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Nid Height |
31 |