Crystal Lake dam
Crystal Lake
Crystal Lake, located in Autauga, Alabama, is a privately owned recreational reservoir constructed in 1941 on Whitewater Creek. With a capacity of 50 acre-feet and a structural height of 18 feet, this dam serves primarily for recreational purposes. The dam stands at a height of 14 feet and spans a length of 385 feet, providing a serene setting for water resource and climate enthusiasts to enjoy.
Despite its tranquil appearance, Crystal Lake poses a high hazard potential due to its structural characteristics. The dam has not been rated for its condition assessment, and there is no emergency action plan in place as of the last data update in 2015. While the dam has not undergone recent inspections or maintenance, its location in Autauga County makes it a significant water resource for the region, attracting visitors seeking outdoor recreation opportunities.
As a vital part of the Autaugaville community, Crystal Lake offers a picturesque escape for residents and visitors alike. While the dam's condition assessment is not rated, its historical significance and recreational value make it a beloved landmark in Congressional District 02, Alabama. With its peaceful waters and scenic surroundings, Crystal Lake remains an essential destination for those seeking to connect with nature and enjoy the beauty of Alabama's water resources.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
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, environmental 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.
Plan around the weather
Same NOAA / yr.no feed Snoflo's iOS app uses. Watch the precipitation column on the meteogram -- rain on the basin upstream typically lifts inflow 24-72 hours later.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind. Each cell is colour-coded relative to the column min/max.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
Nearby streamflow gauges
USGS streamgauges around Crystal Lake -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama River Near Montgomery | 45 cfs | → |
| Mulberry Creek At Jones Al | 155 cfs | → |
| Catoma Creek Near Montgomery Al | 28 cfs | → |
| Tallapoosa River Near Mont.-Mont. Water Works | 1,250 cfs | → |
| Cahaba River Near Marion Junction Al | 1,370 cfs | → |
| Pine Barren Creek Near Snow Hill | 81 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Crystal Lake.
Boat launches
- Brinson Court Lowndes County
- Prairie Creek Road Lowndes County
- River Road Montgomery
- Lake Jordan Boat Ramp
- Boat Ramp Road, Wetumpka
Campgrounds
- Jones Bluff
- Prairie Creek
- Gunter Hill
- Maxwell/Gunter Afb Military
- Six Mile Creek
- Fort Toulouse/Jackson Park
Fishing spots
Track Crystal Lake in the Snoflo app
Save this dam as a favorite and get the local NOAA / yr.no forecast plus regional flow context wherever you are.
About Crystal Lake
Where does the data for Crystal Lake come from?
Structural and regulatory data come from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' National Inventory of Dams (NID). Weather forecast comes from NOAA / yr.no -- the same feed Snoflo's iOS app uses.
How often is the report updated?
NID structural data refreshes annually as the Corps publishes updated assessments. The weather forecast refreshes throughout the day.
What does the High hazard rating mean?
The Corps of Engineers' hazard potential classification grades probable consequences if the dam fails: High = probable loss of human life; Significant = no probable loss of human life but possible economic loss / environmental damage; Low = no probable loss of human life, only minor economic / environmental losses. See the Dam Data Reference card above for the full definitions.
What's "% of normal"?
The current storage value compared to the historical average storage on this calendar day. 100% = right on average; values above 100% mean above-normal storage (wet year); values below mean below-normal (dry year or drought).
Can I get alerts when storage crosses a threshold?
Yes -- alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this dam, set a threshold, and you'll get a push the moment conditions cross.
Other water bodies near here
Snoflo-tracked reservoirs and dams within driving distance of Crystal Lake.