Harpersville Lake Dam No.1 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Harpersville Lake Dam No.1, located in Shelby, Alabama, is a private earth dam completed in 1965 for recreational purposes.


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Summary

Sitting on Yellowleaf Creek, this dam has a hydraulic height of 33 feet and a structural height of 36 feet, with a length of 225 feet. The dam has a storage capacity of 92 acre-feet and a maximum discharge of 600 cubic feet per second, making it an essential structure for water resource management in the area.

Despite its low hazard potential, Harpersville Lake Dam No.1 has not been rated for its condition assessment, showcasing the need for further inspection and maintenance. The dam does not fall under state regulation, permitting, inspection, or enforcement, highlighting the responsibility of the private owner in ensuring its safety and integrity. With its idyllic location and potential risks, this dam serves as a critical site for climate and water resource enthusiasts to monitor and advocate for sustainable management practices.

As a significant feature in the landscape of Klein, Alabama, Harpersville Lake Dam No.1 offers a compelling blend of recreational opportunities and environmental considerations. While it may not be under federal oversight or regulatory agencies, the dam's role in water storage and management on Yellowleaf Creek underscores the importance of balancing human activities with ecosystem protection. For enthusiasts interested in the intersection of water resources and climate, this dam presents a fascinating case study in sustainable infrastructure development and maintenance.

Year Completed

1965

Dam Length

225

River Or Stream

TR.YELLOWLEAF CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Hydraulic Height

33

Nid Storage

92

Structural Height

36

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

36
       
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.