Yates Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Owen Kenan Dam Frances K Caine Dam
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Yates Lake Dam, located in Potter, Alabama, serves as a recreational hub along the TR-Childers Creek.
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Summary
Completed in 1973, this private earth dam stands at a structural height of 15 feet, with a hydraulic height of 12 feet and a length of 300 feet. The dam has a storage capacity of 50 acre-feet and a maximum discharge of 875 cubic feet per second, making it a significant water resource for the area.
Despite its primary purpose for recreation, Yates Lake Dam poses a significant hazard potential and has not been rated for its condition assessment. The dam's emergency action plan (EAP) status and risk management measures remain unclear, raising concerns for its overall safety and preparedness in the event of an emergency. With no state jurisdiction or regulation, it is vital for the dam's owners to prioritize the maintenance and upkeep of this vital water infrastructure.
As an integral part of the water resource system in Dallas County, Alabama, Yates Lake Dam warrants further attention and oversight to ensure its continued functionality and safety for both recreational and environmental purposes. Addressing the dam's hazard potential and implementing proper risk management measures will be crucial in safeguarding the surrounding community and ecosystem from potential risks and emergencies associated with the dam.
Year Completed |
1973 |
Dam Length |
300 |
River Or Stream |
TR-CHILDERS CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
12 |
Nid Storage |
50 |
Structural Height |
15 |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Nid Height |
15 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Cahaba River Near Marion Junction Al
|
789cfs |
Mulberry Creek At Jones Al
|
124cfs |
Pine Barren Creek Near Snow Hill
|
88cfs |
Cahaba River At Centreville Al
|
363cfs |
Alabama River Near Montgomery
|
3340cfs |
Cahaba River Near West Blocton Al
|
156cfs |
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.
Yates Lake Dam