Lake Purdy Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Lake Purdy Dam, located in Acton East, Alabama, is a privately-owned structure built in 1964 primarily for flood risk reduction.


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Summary

This earth dam stands at a hydraulic height of 50 feet and a structural height of 55 feet, with a length of 213 feet. It has a normal storage capacity of 24,000 acre-feet and a maximum storage capacity of 26,400 acre-feet, situated along the Little Cahaba River in Shelby County. Despite its critical purpose in flood risk management, the dam has a high hazard potential and is currently not rated for its condition assessment.

The construction of Lake Purdy Dam was completed by a private entity, with no state or federal agency involvement in its regulation or permitting. The dam does not fall under state jurisdiction or inspection, presenting a unique case of private ownership and management. The dam's location in a high-risk area highlights the importance of proper risk management measures and emergency response preparedness, although details regarding these aspects are currently not available. With its significant impact on flood risk reduction and water supply management in the region, Lake Purdy Dam serves as a vital infrastructure for the community and environmental protection in the area.

Year Completed

1964

Dam Length

213

River Or Stream

LITTLE CAHABA RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Hydraulic Height

50

Nid Storage

26400

Structural Height

55

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

55
       
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.