Ledbetter Lake Dam Number 1 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Ledbetter Lake Dam Number 1, located in Vandiver, Alabama, is a privately owned earth dam built in 1961 for recreational purposes.


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Summary

It stands at a hydraulic height of 38 feet and a structural height of 40 feet, with a length of 400 feet. The dam has a maximum storage capacity of 137 acre-feet and normal storage of 130 acre-feet, serving as a popular spot for outdoor activities such as fishing, boating, and wildlife watching.

Despite its significant hazard potential, with a condition assessment of "Not Rated," Ledbetter Lake Dam Number 1 has not been recently inspected or assessed for risk management measures. The dam is situated on Bear Creek and falls under the jurisdiction of the Mobile District of the US Army Corps of Engineers. While there are no state regulatory agencies overseeing the dam, its location in a high-risk area emphasizes the importance of implementing safety protocols and emergency preparedness plans.

With a lack of recent data on inspections, condition assessments, and emergency action plans, Ledbetter Lake Dam Number 1 poses a potential risk to the surrounding communities in Shelby County, Alabama. Water resource and climate enthusiasts should advocate for increased monitoring and maintenance of this recreational dam to ensure the safety and well-being of those who enjoy its amenities.

Year Completed

1961

Dam Length

400

River Or Stream

TR BEAR CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Hydraulic Height

38

Nid Storage

137

Structural Height

40

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

40
       
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.