Jack Duke Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Jack Duke Lake Dam, located in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, is a private earth dam built in 1969 by the USDA NRCS with a primary purpose of creating a fish and wildlife pond.
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Summary
The dam, standing at 17 feet tall and stretching 500 feet in length, holds a maximum storage capacity of 153 acre-feet and normal storage of 115 acre-feet. It is situated on the TR-WRIGHT BRANCH river and is managed by the EBENEZER CHURCH COMMUNITY in the Congressional District 07 of Alabama.
Despite being categorized as having a low hazard potential, Jack Duke Lake Dam poses a moderate risk according to its risk assessment rating. With a spillway width of 51 feet and a maximum discharge capacity of 758 cubic feet per second, the dam's uncontrolled spillway type requires careful monitoring. While the dam's condition is currently not rated and has not been inspected since 1978, there is a need for regular assessments and potential risk management measures to ensure its long-term safety and functionality for both fishing and recreational purposes.
Water resource and climate enthusiasts will find Jack Duke Lake Dam an intriguing feature in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, offering a serene environment for fish and wildlife while serving as a recreational spot for the local community. The dam's rich history dating back to the late 1960s and its association with the USDA NRCS as the designer add to its significance in the region. As a privately owned structure, it highlights the importance of collaboration between government agencies and local communities in managing water resources and maintaining dam safety standards in the face of changing environmental conditions.
Year Completed |
1969 |
Dam Length |
500 |
Dam Height |
17 |
River Or Stream |
TR-WRIGHT BRANCH |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Drainage Area |
0.45 |
Nid Storage |
153 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
17 |
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.
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