Canyon Lake Dam Upper Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Canyon Lake Dam Upper, located in Cottondale, Alabama, is a privately owned dam built in 1969 primarily for recreation purposes.


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Summary

The dam stands at a height of 28 feet with a hydraulic height of 28 feet and a length of 192 feet. It has a storage capacity of 82 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 50 acre-feet. The dam is situated on Bee Branch, a river/stream in Tuscaloosa County, Alabama.

Despite being privately owned, Canyon Lake Dam Upper is under the jurisdiction of the state of Alabama and is not regulated by any state agency. The dam has a high hazard potential, although its condition has not been rated. The dam has not been assessed for emergency preparedness, and there are no specific risk management measures in place. With a maximum discharge of 700 cubic feet per second, the dam serves as an important recreational site in the area.

Overall, Canyon Lake Dam Upper provides valuable recreational opportunities in the Cottondale area of Alabama. Although it poses a high hazard potential, the dam has not been rated for its condition and lacks specific risk management measures. It stands as a testament to the importance of water resource management and climate resilience in the region.

Year Completed

1969

Dam Length

192

River Or Stream

BEE BRANCH

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Hydraulic Height

28

Nid Storage

82

Structural Height

28

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

28
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.