Birmingham Water Service Lake Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Birmingham Water Service Lake, located in Cherokee Forest, Alabama, serves as a critical water supply source for the region.


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Summary

Built in 1948, this private Earth dam stands at a height of 58 feet, with a hydraulic height of 56 feet and a length of 460 feet. With a storage capacity of 407 acre-feet, the lake primarily functions to provide water to the surrounding communities, ensuring a reliable water source for residents and businesses.

Despite its age, Birmingham Water Service Lake remains a vital infrastructure with a high hazard potential due to its condition being not rated. The dam's emergency action plan status and risk assessment measures are currently unclear, highlighting potential areas for improvement in terms of safety and emergency preparedness. With a maximum discharge of 119 cubic feet per second, the lake's spillway type and width are unspecified, raising questions about its ability to manage excess water during periods of heavy rainfall or flooding.

As climate change continues to impact water resources and infrastructure, the need for regular inspection, maintenance, and risk management measures for Birmingham Water Service Lake becomes increasingly crucial. With its location in Jefferson County, Alabama, and close proximity to Shades Creek, stakeholders must prioritize the safety and resilience of this essential water supply source to ensure its longevity and functionality in the face of evolving environmental challenges.

Year Completed

1948

Dam Length

460

River Or Stream

TR-SHADES CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Hydraulic Height

56

Nid Storage

407

Structural Height

58

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

58
       
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.