Paradise Lake Dam dam
Paradise Lake Dam
Paradise Lake Dam, also known as Damn Paradise, is a privately-owned structure located in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. Constructed in 1954 by the USDA NRCS, this earth dam stands at a height of 16 feet and spans 133 feet in length. Its primary purpose is to serve as a Fish and Wildlife Pond, providing a habitat for various species in the area.
With a storage capacity of 153 acre-feet, Paradise Lake Dam plays a vital role in managing water resources in the region. The dam has a low hazard potential and has not been formally rated for its condition. Despite being last inspected in 1978, the dam continues to serve its intended purpose effectively and remains a key feature in the local ecosystem.
Located on the TR-GALLANT BRANCH, Paradise Lake Dam is a focal point for water resource and climate enthusiasts interested in the conservation of fish and wildlife habitats. While moderate risks are associated with the structure, ongoing risk management measures are in place to ensure its continued operation and safety. As a symbol of the harmonious coexistence of nature and human development, Paradise Lake Dam stands as a testament to responsible water resource management in Alabama.
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 Paradise Lake Dam -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Valley Creek Near Oak Grove Al | 138 cfs | → |
| Cahaba River Near West Blocton Al | 145 cfs | → |
| Shades Creek Near Greenwood Al | 17 cfs | → |
| Valley Creek Near Bessemer | 76 cfs | → |
| Cahaba River Near Helena Al | 123 cfs | → |
| Turkey Creek Near Tuscaloosa | 1 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Paradise Lake Dam.
Boat launches
- County Road 109 13399, Tuscaloosa County
- Deerlick Road Tuscaloosa County
- Lock 15 Road 12701, Tuscaloosa County
- Rock Quarry Drive Tuscaloosa
- 7th Avenue Northeast 401-599, Tuscaloosa
- Dickey Camp Road Jefferson County
Campgrounds
- Campground #1
- Campground #2
- Tannehill Ironworks Historical State Park
- Holt Lake
- Deerlick
- Burchfield Branch Park
Fishing spots
Track Paradise Lake Dam 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 Paradise Lake Dam
Where does the data for Paradise Lake Dam 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 Low 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 Paradise Lake Dam.