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