Lawson Lake No. 1 Reservoir Report
Nearby: Lawson Lake No. 3 Lawson Lake No. 2
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Lawson Lake No.
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Summary
1, located in Limestone, Alabama, is a private fish and wildlife pond designed by the USDA NRCS, with a dam completed in 1961. This earth dam has a height of 13 feet and a length of 787 feet, providing a storage capacity of 206 acre-feet for irrigation, recreation, and wildlife purposes. The dam controls the flow of TR-ROUND ISLAND CREEK, with a maximum discharge of 600 cubic feet per second through an uncontrolled spillway.
Despite being classified as having a significant hazard potential, the dam's condition assessment is currently not rated. It is important to note that no state jurisdiction, regulation, permitting, or inspection is enforced for Lawson Lake No. 1, making it crucial for private owners to ensure proper maintenance and upkeep. The risk assessment for this dam is moderate (3), indicating the need for consistent monitoring and potential risk management measures to prevent any emergencies or failures.
Water resource and climate enthusiasts will find Lawson Lake No. 1 to be a fascinating case study in private dam ownership and management. Its history, design features, and the potential risks associated with its operation underscore the importance of responsible stewardship of our water resources for the benefit of both wildlife and human communities.
Year Completed |
1961 |
Dam Length |
787 |
Dam Height |
13 |
River Or Stream |
TR-ROUND ISLAND CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Drainage Area |
0.42 |
Nid Storage |
206 |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Nid Height |
13 |
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.
Lawson Lake No. 1
Cowford Road Athens