Odess Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Odess Lake Dam, also known as Lake Lenora Dam, is a private earth dam located in the Shelby County of Alabama.


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Summary

Completed in 1955, this dam serves primarily for recreational purposes with a storage capacity of 125 acre-feet. Situated in THE NARROWS COMMUNITY, the dam holds back TR.COOPER BRANCH and has a structural height of 30 feet, with a hydraulic height of 26 feet.

Managed by private owners, Odess Lake Dam is significant in terms of hazard potential, categorized as having a significant risk level. Despite not being state-regulated, the dam has not been rated for its condition assessment, and its emergency action plan status is unknown. The dam does not have a spillway type or outlet gates, and its inspection frequency is listed as 0.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Odess Lake Dam presents an interesting case study of a privately owned earth dam that serves primarily for recreational purposes. With its location in Alabama and its significant hazard potential, this dam highlights the importance of proper management and maintenance of such structures to ensure the safety of surrounding communities and the environment. Further research and monitoring of Odess Lake Dam's condition and risk assessment may provide valuable insights for ongoing water resource management efforts.

Year Completed

1955

Dam Length

150

River Or Stream

TR.COOPER BRANCH

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Hydraulic Height

26

Nid Storage

125

Structural Height

30

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

30
       
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.