Newfound Creek Lake Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Newfound Creek Lake, located in Jefferson County, Alabama, is a privately owned reservoir built in 1925 primarily for water supply purposes.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

The dam, with a buttress design and a hydraulic height of 19 feet, stands at a structural height of 23 feet and spans a length of 142 feet. The reservoir has a storage capacity of 202 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 144 acre-feet, serving as a vital water resource for the surrounding area.

Despite being classified as low hazard potential with a condition assessment of "Not Rated," Newfound Creek Lake has not undergone recent inspections or assessments. The reservoir, situated on Newfound Creek, is managed by private owners and does not fall under state or federal regulatory jurisdiction. The emergency action plan status, risk assessment, and management measures for the dam are not currently reported, raising questions about the preparedness and safety protocols in place for potential emergencies.

While Newfound Creek Lake provides essential water supply services, the lack of recent inspections and assessment updates raises concerns about the overall safety and management of the dam. For water resource and climate enthusiasts, understanding the infrastructure and potential risks associated with dams like Newfound Creek Lake is crucial for ensuring the resilience and sustainability of water systems in the face of changing environmental conditions.

Year Completed

1925

Dam Length

142

River Or Stream

NEWFOUND CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Buttress

Hydraulic Height

19

Nid Storage

202

Structural Height

23

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

23
       
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.