Lake Tuscaloosa Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Lake Tuscaloosa Dam, also known as the North River Water Supply Dam, is a local government-owned structure in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, with a primary purpose of recreation and water supply.


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Summary

Completed in 1971, this earth dam boasts a hydraulic height of 117 feet and a structural height of 125 feet, providing a maximum storage capacity of 180,000 acre-feet. Situated on the North River, this dam serves the community of Holt, offering a serene recreational area for water resource and climate enthusiasts to enjoy.

Despite not being regulated by the state, Lake Tuscaloosa Dam has a high hazard potential and has not been rated for condition assessment. The dam's emergency action plan status and adherence to guidelines remain unspecified, reflecting potential concerns for system resilience and risk management. Its location within the Mobile District of the USACE, under the congressional representation of Robert B. Aderholt, highlights the importance of ongoing monitoring and maintenance to ensure the safety and sustainability of this vital water resource infrastructure.

With a rich history dating back to the early 1970s, Lake Tuscaloosa Dam stands as a crucial component of the region's water supply and recreational landscape. As an integral part of the community's infrastructure, continued attention to hazard potential, condition assessment, and emergency preparedness is essential to safeguarding this picturesque reservoir for future generations of water resource and climate enthusiasts to cherish and enjoy.

Year Completed

1971

Dam Length

1280

River Or Stream

NORTH RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Hydraulic Height

117

Nid Storage

180000

Structural Height

125

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

125
       
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.
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Area Campgrounds