Mckay Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Mckay Lake Dam, located in Highland Lake Community in Blount, Alabama, is a private earth dam constructed in 1950 for the primary purpose of recreation.


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Summary

The dam stands at a hydraulic height of 23 feet and a structural height of 25 feet, with a length of 200 feet. It has a maximum storage capacity of 233 acre-feet and a normal storage capacity of 153 acre-feet, serving as a crucial water resource for the area.

With Jourden Creek flowing nearby, the dam plays a vital role in regulating water flow and providing recreational opportunities for the local community. Despite being privately owned, the dam has a high hazard potential and has not been rated for condition assessment. While it has not been inspected recently, the dam's emergency action plan and risk management measures are not fully documented, raising concerns about the level of preparedness in case of an emergency.

As a significant feature in the landscape, Mckay Lake Dam serves as a reminder of the intersection between water resource management and climate considerations. Its operational status and safety measures highlight the importance of ongoing monitoring and maintenance to ensure the protection of both the environment and the community it serves.

Year Completed

1950

Dam Length

200

River Or Stream

JOURDEN CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Hydraulic Height

23

Nid Storage

233

Structural Height

25

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

25
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.