Echo Lake Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Echo Lake, located in Jefferson County, Alabama, is a private recreational reservoir with a significant hazard potential.


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Summary

The dam, known as Reese Murray@S Dam, was completed in 1956 and stands at a structural height of 36 feet with a hydraulic height of 32 feet. The reservoir has a normal storage capacity of 756 acre-feet and a maximum storage capacity of 884 acre-feet, drawing water from the Cahaba River source.

Owned and managed by a private entity, Echo Lake serves as a popular spot for outdoor enthusiasts seeking recreational activities such as fishing, boating, and swimming. Despite its age, the dam has not been rated for its current condition, and there is no inspection or maintenance schedule in place. While the dam has not been modified in recent years, its location and hazard potential warrant ongoing risk assessment and management measures to ensure the safety of surrounding communities.

Congressional District 6 in Alabama, represented by Gary J. Palmer, oversees Echo Lake and its dam structure within the Mobile District of the US Army Corps of Engineers. With no state regulation or enforcement in place, it is crucial for the private owner to prioritize the safety and maintenance of Echo Lake to prevent any potential disasters and protect the surrounding environment and water resources for future generations.

Year Completed

1956

Dam Length

270

River Or Stream

CAHABA RIVER SOURCE

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Hydraulic Height

32

Nid Storage

884

Structural Height

36

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

36
       
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.