Roy Shaw Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Tommy Ege Dam W I Walker Dam
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Roy Shaw Dam, located in the Union Church Community of Cullman, Alabama, is a privately owned structure primarily used for fire protection, stock, and as a small fish pond.
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Summary
Built in 1969, this earth dam stands at a hydraulic height of 21 feet and a structural height of 26 feet, with a length of 485 feet. The dam has a storage capacity of 80 acre-feet, with a maximum discharge rate of 4500 cubic feet per second.
Despite not being regulated by the state, Roy Shaw Dam has been deemed to have a significant hazard potential, although its condition assessment is currently not rated. The dam has not undergone recent inspections, and there is no emergency action plan (EAP) in place. While the dam does not have designated outlet gates or associated structures, its location on the TR Buzzard Branch river contributes to its functionality for fire protection and aquatic purposes.
Enthusiasts of water resources and climate in the area may find Roy Shaw Dam to be an intriguing structure due to its unique purpose and design. With its significant hazard potential and lack of recent assessments, the dam presents an opportunity for further study and potential risk management measures to ensure the safety and effectiveness of its operations in the future.
Year Completed |
1969 |
Dam Length |
485 |
River Or Stream |
TR BUZZARD BRANCH |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
21 |
Nid Storage |
80 |
Structural Height |
26 |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Nid Height |
26 |
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.
Roy Shaw Dam