College Lake Reservoir Report

Nearby: Frost Knight

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Located in Wadley, Alabama, College Lake is a privately owned fish and wildlife pond designed by the USDA NRCS and completed in 1966.


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Summary

With a dam height of 21 feet and a length of 650 feet, the lake has a storage capacity of 172 acre-feet and serves as a recreational spot for locals. The primary purpose of College Lake is to support fish and wildlife, making it a vital resource for biodiversity in the area.

Despite not being regulated by the state, College Lake has a significant hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment rating. The spillway, with a width of 52 feet, is uncontrolled, adding to the potential risks associated with the dam. The last inspection of the dam took place in 1979, and its condition is currently not rated. While the lake provides a valuable habitat for wildlife and recreational opportunities, its maintenance and safety should be a priority to mitigate any potential risks to the surrounding community and environment.

With its scenic location near Carlisle Branch and Tallapoosa River, College Lake offers a tranquil setting for nature enthusiasts and climate advocates to appreciate and protect. The dam's construction by the Natural Resources Conservation Service highlights the importance of sustainable water resource management in supporting local ecosystems and recreational activities. As efforts to assess and address the dam's safety continue, College Lake remains a key feature in Randolph County, Alabama, embodying the delicate balance between human enjoyment and environmental stewardship in the face of changing climate patterns.

Year Completed

1966

Dam Length

650

Dam Height

21

River Or Stream

CARLISLE BRANCH & TALLAPOOSA R

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

13

Drainage Area

0.72

Nid Storage

172

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

21
       
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.