Dream Lake Dam Number Three Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Dream Lake Dam Number Three, also known as Ski Lake No.


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Summary

3, is a privately owned structure located in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. Completed in 1970, this earth dam stands at a hydraulic height of 22 feet, with a structural height of 26 feet and a length of 640 feet. The dam serves primarily for recreational purposes, offering a storage capacity of 1,400 acre-feet and a maximum discharge of 4,300 cubic feet per second.

Situated on Rockcastle Creek, Dream Lake Dam Number Three poses a high hazard potential and has not been rated for its condition. Despite being privately owned, the dam is not regulated or inspected by the state, presenting potential risks in the event of an emergency. With no emergency action plan in place and limited information on risk assessment and management measures, there is a need for enhanced safety measures and oversight to ensure the protection of surrounding communities and the environment.

As a significant recreational feature in the area, Dream Lake Dam Number Three warrants attention and proactive measures to address its high hazard potential and lack of state regulation. Water resource and climate enthusiasts should be aware of the dam's existence and potential risks, advocating for increased safety measures and monitoring to prevent any emergencies or failures that could impact the surrounding area and Rockcastle Creek.

Year Completed

1970

Dam Length

640

River Or Stream

ROCKCASTLE CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Hydraulic Height

22

Nid Storage

1400

Structural Height

26

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

26
       
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.