Thorton No 4 Reservoir Report
Nearby: Thorton No 3 Thorton No 2
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Thorton No 4 is a privately owned earth dam located in Etowah, Alabama, specifically in Mayes Crossroads.
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Summary
Built in 1963, this dam serves multiple purposes including fire protection, stock, small fish pond, and recreation. It has a hydraulic height of 13 feet and a length of 600 feet, with a storage capacity of 105 acre-feet.
Despite its low hazard potential, Thorton No 4 has not been assessed for its condition, and its emergency action plan (EAP) is not rated. The dam has not been inspected in recent years, and there is no information available on its risk assessment or management measures. It is interesting to note that the dam is not under the jurisdiction of the state regulatory agency and does not require state permitting or inspection.
Overall, Thorton No 4 presents an intriguing case study for water resource and climate enthusiasts due to its multi-purpose design and lack of recent assessments or inspections. The dam's location in a rural area and its low hazard potential raise questions about the level of monitoring and maintenance needed for such structures to ensure public safety and environmental protection.
Year Completed |
1963 |
Dam Length |
600 |
River Or Stream |
TR DRY CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
13 |
Nid Storage |
105 |
Structural Height |
13 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
13 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo 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
HighDams 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.
Thorton No 4