Harper No 2 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Harper No 2 is a privately owned earth dam located in White Plains South, Alabama, specifically on TR Cottaquilla Creek.


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Summary

Built in 1958, this dam serves primarily for recreational purposes and stands at a hydraulic height of 12 feet with a structural height of 15 feet. With a storage capacity of 70 acre-feet, it offers a normal storage level of 50 acre-feet and a maximum discharge of 270 cubic feet per second. Despite its low hazard potential, Harper No 2 has not been rated for its condition assessment.

Managed by the Mobile District of the US Army Corps of Engineers, Harper No 2 has not undergone any modifications since its completion. It lacks official inspection ratings and emergency action plans, signaling potential gaps in risk management and emergency preparedness. Although the dam is not federally regulated or permitted, its location in Congressional District 03 of Alabama underlines the importance of monitoring and maintaining its structural integrity to ensure safety for nearby communities and the environment.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Harper No 2 offers an intriguing case study in dam infrastructure and management. Its modest size and purpose for recreation highlight the diverse roles that dams play in water management systems. The absence of detailed assessments and emergency plans underscores the need for ongoing monitoring and regulatory oversight to mitigate potential risks. As climate change continues to impact water resources, understanding the status and vulnerabilities of dams like Harper No 2 is crucial for sustainable water management practices in the future.

Year Completed

1958

Dam Length

960

River Or Stream

TR COTTAQUILA CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Hydraulic Height

12

Nid Storage

70

Structural Height

15

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

15
       
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.