Big Cypress Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: January 12, 2026

Big Cypress Lake Dam, also known as Cypress Pond Dam, is a privately owned structure located in Moundville, Alabama, along the TR Black Warrior River.


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Summary

Built in 1960, this earth dam stands at a structural height of 11 feet and serves primarily for recreational purposes, providing a storage capacity of 280 acre-feet. With a low hazard potential and a condition assessment of "Not Rated," this dam is a key feature in the region's water resource management.

Managed by the Mobile District of the US Army Corps of Engineers, Big Cypress Lake Dam is designed to maintain a hydraulic height of 8 feet and a dam length of 100 feet. Although not federally regulated, the dam offers a glimpse into the intersection of water resources and climate considerations in the area. Despite lacking specific data on its condition assessment and emergency action plan, the dam's importance in providing recreational opportunities and supporting the local ecosystem cannot be understated.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Big Cypress Lake Dam presents an intriguing case study of a privately owned structure contributing to the overall water management framework in Tuscaloosa County, Alabama. As a modest-sized dam with limited associated structures and moderate storage capacity, its role in maintaining the ecological balance of the TR Black Warrior River watershed showcases the diverse array of factors influencing water infrastructure development in the region. With ongoing discussions on risk assessment and emergency preparedness, the future of Big Cypress Lake Dam remains an important topic for those passionate about sustainability and environmental stewardship.

Year Completed

1960

Dam Length

100

River Or Stream

TR BLACK WARRIOR RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Hydraulic Height

8

Nid Storage

280

Structural Height

11

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

11
       
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.