Purdy Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Touchstone Lake Joe Dickert Dam
Last Updated: February 12, 2026
Purdy Lake Dam, located in the Lesters Chapel Community of Shelby County, Alabama, was completed in 1968 by the USDA NRCS.
Summary
This private earth dam stands at a height of 28 feet and stretches 175 feet in length, holding a maximum storage capacity of 103 acre-feet. The primary purpose of Purdy Lake Dam is to provide a fish and wildlife pond, as well as recreational opportunities for the community.
Despite its low hazard potential, Purdy Lake Dam has a moderate risk assessment rating. The dam has not been inspected since August 1979 and is currently not rated for its condition. While it does not have a state regulatory agency overseeing its operations, the dam serves as an important resource for the conservation of fish and wildlife in the area. With a spillway width of 60 feet and a maximum discharge capacity of 4800 cubic feet per second, the dam plays a crucial role in managing water flow along the Yellowleaf Creek.
Enthusiasts of water resources and climate will find Purdy Lake Dam to be a fascinating structure, blending engineering with environmental conservation efforts. As a key feature in the landscape of the Lesters Chapel Community, the dam provides a unique habitat for fish and wildlife while offering recreational benefits to the local residents. It serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between human development and the preservation of natural ecosystems, highlighting the importance of sustainable water resource management in the face of climate change.
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15-Day Weather Outlook
Year Completed |
1968 |
Dam Length |
175 |
Dam Height |
28 |
River Or Stream |
TR. YELLOWLEAF CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
6 |
Drainage Area |
0.8 |
Nid Storage |
103 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
28 |
Seasonal Comparison
5-Day Hourly Forecast Detail
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo 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
HighDams 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.
Purdy Lake Dam