Lake Catoma Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Carl Budweg Dam Eva Road Lake
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Lake Catoma Dam, located in Cullman, Alabama, was completed in 1966 and serves as a vital water resource for the community.
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Summary
The dam, primarily designed for recreational purposes, stands at a structural height of 100 feet with a hydraulic height of 90 feet. It is classified as a Rockfill dam and has a storage capacity of 21,400 acre-feet, making it a crucial water supply source for the area.
With Eight Mile Creek as its primary river or stream, Lake Catoma Dam not only provides water storage but also offers recreational opportunities for locals and visitors alike. Despite its high hazard potential, the dam's condition assessment remains unrated, indicating the need for regular inspections and maintenance. The dam's maximum discharge capacity is 35,360 cubic feet per second, highlighting its importance in managing water flow and mitigating flood risks in the region.
Managed by the local government, Lake Catoma Dam is a significant infrastructure project in Alabama's water resource management system. As climate change continues to impact water availability and quality, the dam plays a crucial role in ensuring sustainable water supply for the community. Enthusiasts of water resources and climate resilience can appreciate the engineering and management efforts behind Lake Catoma Dam, which underscores the importance of effective water resource planning and infrastructure development in the face of changing environmental conditions.
Year Completed |
1966 |
Dam Length |
1800 |
River Or Stream |
EIGHT MILE CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Rockfill |
Hydraulic Height |
90 |
Nid Storage |
21400 |
Structural Height |
100 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Nid Height |
100 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
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.
Lake Catoma Dam