Thorton No 1 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Thorton No 1 is a private recreational dam located in Etowah, Alabama, near the city of MAYES CROSSROADS.


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Summary

Built in 1965, this Earth dam stands at a hydraulic height of 9 feet and has a length of 818 feet. The dam provides a storage capacity of 105 acre-feet and is primarily used for recreational purposes, with a low hazard potential and a condition assessment of "Not Rated."

Situated on TR DRY CREEK, Thorton No 1 is under the jurisdiction of the Mobile District of the US Army Corps of Engineers. With a maximum discharge of 826 cubic feet per second, this dam has not been modified in recent years and has no associated structures or outlet gates. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam has not been rated for its condition assessment, and there is no Emergency Action Plan (EAP) in place or updated contact information for emergencies.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Thorton No 1 offers an intriguing case study of a small recreational dam in Alabama. With its lack of regulatory oversight and inspection frequency, this dam presents challenges in terms of emergency preparedness and risk management. As stakeholders continue to monitor and assess the condition of Thorton No 1, there is a need for proactive measures to ensure the safety and integrity of this structure for both recreational users and the surrounding environment.

Year Completed

1965

Dam Length

818

River Or Stream

TR DRY CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Hydraulic Height

9

Nid Storage

105

Structural Height

9

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

9
       
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.