Crim Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Hall Dam Cheaha Creek W/S Dam Site 4
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Crim Lake Dam, also known as County Airport Dam, is a privately owned structure located in Shelby, Alabama.
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Summary
Built in 1967, this earth dam serves primarily for recreational purposes and stands at a hydraulic height of 50 feet. The dam has a storage capacity of 440 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 370 acre-feet. Situated on the Gum Branch river, the dam spans 300 feet in length and is a significant hazard potential structure in the area.
Despite being privately owned and not regulated by the state, Crim Lake Dam has not been rated for its condition assessment. With a significant hazard potential, it is important to note that the dam's emergency action plan has not been prepared or updated, posing potential risks in the case of a dam failure. The dam's lack of inspection frequency and condition assessment raises concerns about its overall safety and the potential impact on the surrounding community in SE Sterrett.
Given its location and potential risks, it is crucial for authorities to address the condition assessment and emergency preparedness of Crim Lake Dam. As a structure with a significant hazard potential, ensuring its safety and compliance with regulatory guidelines is essential to protect both the environment and the local community. Enthusiasts of water resources and climate should closely monitor the developments and management measures taken to mitigate risks associated with this important dam.
Year Completed |
1967 |
Dam Length |
300 |
River Or Stream |
GUM BRANCH |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
50 |
Nid Storage |
440 |
Structural Height |
50 |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Nid Height |
50 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
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.
Crim Lake Dam