Stephens Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Stephens, located in Pleasant Hill, Alabama, is a private dam built in 1967 on the TR Big Wills Creek river.


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Summary

With a primary purpose of fire protection and stock, this earth dam also serves as a small fish pond and recreation area. Standing at a hydraulic height of 14 feet and a length of 440 feet, Stephens has a storage capacity of 71 acre-feet and a maximum discharge of 636 cubic feet per second.

Despite being classified as low hazard potential, Stephens has not been rated for condition assessment. The dam, managed by a private owner, does not fall under state regulation or inspection. Although it has not undergone recent inspections or maintenance, its location within Congressional District 04, Alabama, adds to the intrigue of its historical and environmental significance.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Stephens presents an opportunity to explore the integration of dams into local ecosystems and communities. As an unregulated structure, its impact on water storage and flood control in the area may offer valuable insights into the broader context of water resource management and climate resilience. Further research and assessment of Stephens could shed light on the role of privately-owned dams in shaping water landscapes and the challenges they face in terms of sustainability and safety.

Year Completed

1967

Dam Length

440

River Or Stream

TR BIG WILLS CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Hydraulic Height

14

Nid Storage

71

Structural Height

14

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

14
       
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.