Gilbert Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Located in DeKalb County, Alabama, the Gilbert dam stands as a testament to human ingenuity and engineering prowess.


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Summary

Completed in 1963, this private-owned structure on Horsehead Creek serves primarily for recreational purposes, offering a serene escape for nature enthusiasts and water adventurers alike. With a modest height of 20 feet and a length of 535 feet, the Gilbert dam provides a storage capacity of 158 acre-feet, ensuring a steady water supply for the surrounding area.

Despite its low hazard potential and the lack of recent condition assessments, the Gilbert dam continues to be a vital part of the local landscape. Its earth dam type and proximity to the city of Central make it a key feature in the region's water resource management strategy. While its spillway type and emergency preparedness measures remain unspecified, the Gilbert dam remains an essential piece of infrastructure that warrants further exploration and appreciation by water resource and climate enthusiasts.

As part of the Mobile District in Alabama, the Gilbert dam stands as a beacon of human interaction with the natural environment. Its association with Congressional District 04 and Representative Robert B. Aderholt showcases the interconnectedness of water resource management with political representation. With its unique design and historical significance, the Gilbert dam invites visitors to ponder the delicate balance between human needs and environmental preservation in the face of climate change and evolving water resource challenges.

Year Completed

1963

Dam Length

535

River Or Stream

HORSEHEAD CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Hydraulic Height

20

Nid Storage

158

Structural Height

20

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

20
       
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.