Herring Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Herring Lake Dam, located in Abernant, Alabama, along Rockcastle Creek, was completed in 1920 and serves as a recreational structure for the community.


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Summary

The dam, with a hydraulic height of 15 feet and a structural height of 17 feet, provides a storage capacity of 50 acre-feet and a maximum discharge of 550 cubic feet per second. Despite not being regulated by the state and lacking inspection and enforcement measures, the dam is classified as having a high hazard potential.

The primary purpose of Herring Lake Dam is recreation, with a design classified as a buttress dam measuring 83 feet in length. The dam, which is privately owned, has not been assessed for its condition and lacks emergency action preparedness measures. Located in Congressional District 07, Alabama, the dam's hazard potential highlights the importance of implementing risk management measures and ensuring the safety of the surrounding community in the event of an emergency.

Year Completed

1920

Dam Length

83

River Or Stream

ROCKCASTLE CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Buttress

Hydraulic Height

15

Nid Storage

50

Structural Height

17

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

17
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

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. 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

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, 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.