Mcpherson Dam dam
Mcpherson Dam
Mcpherson Dam, also known as Mcpherson Lake, is a privately owned structure located in MOUNDVILLE, Alabama along the TR-BLACK WARRIOR RIVER. Built in 1957 by the USDA NRCS, this Earth-type dam stands at a height of 30 feet and stretches 433 feet in length. Its primary purpose is to serve as a Fish and Wildlife Pond, providing a habitat for various species while also offering recreational opportunities for visitors.
With a storage capacity of 73 acre-feet, Mcpherson Dam has a low hazard potential and is currently rated as "Not Rated" in terms of its condition assessment. Despite not being state-regulated, this dam plays a crucial role in managing the flow of water and supporting the local ecosystem. While the last inspection was conducted in 1978, the risk assessment for Mcpherson Dam is moderate, indicating the need for ongoing monitoring and potential management measures to ensure its continued safety and functionality.
Situated in Congressional District 07, Alabama, Mcpherson Dam stands as a testament to the importance of sustainable water resource management and climate resilience. As a key structure along the TR-BLACK WARRIOR RIVER, this dam not only provides essential services for fish and wildlife but also contributes to the overall environmental health of the region. With its rich history and ongoing commitment to conservation, Mcpherson Dam serves as a valuable asset for water resource enthusiasts and climate advocates alike.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
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, environmental 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.
Plan around the weather
Same NOAA / yr.no feed Snoflo's iOS app uses. Watch the precipitation column on the meteogram -- rain on the basin upstream typically lifts inflow 24-72 hours later.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind. Each cell is colour-coded relative to the column min/max.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
Nearby streamflow gauges
USGS streamgauges around Mcpherson Dam -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Black Warrior River At Northport Al | 811 cfs | → |
| Cribbs Mill Creek At Ww Plant At Tuscaloosa | 64 cfs | → |
| Sipsey River Nr Elrod | 151 cfs | → |
| Elliotts Creek At Moundville Al | 8 cfs | → |
| Turkey Creek Near Tuscaloosa | 1 cfs | → |
| Binion Creek Below Gin Creek Near Samantha Al | 13 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Mcpherson Dam.
Boat launches
- 7th Avenue Northeast 401-599, Tuscaloosa
- Rock Quarry Drive Tuscaloosa
- Deerlick Road Tuscaloosa County
- County Road 109 13399, Tuscaloosa County
- Binion Creek Landing Park
- Lock 15 Road 12701, Tuscaloosa County
Campgrounds
- Lake Lurleen State Park
- Deerlick
- Holt Lake
- Moundville Archaeological Park Campground
- Blue Creek
- Burchfield Branch Park
Fishing spots
Track Mcpherson Dam in the Snoflo app
Save this dam as a favorite and get the local NOAA / yr.no forecast plus regional flow context wherever you are.
About Mcpherson Dam
Where does the data for Mcpherson Dam come from?
Structural and regulatory data come from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' National Inventory of Dams (NID). Weather forecast comes from NOAA / yr.no -- the same feed Snoflo's iOS app uses.
How often is the report updated?
NID structural data refreshes annually as the Corps publishes updated assessments. The weather forecast refreshes throughout the day.
What does the Low hazard rating mean?
The Corps of Engineers' hazard potential classification grades probable consequences if the dam fails: High = probable loss of human life; Significant = no probable loss of human life but possible economic loss / environmental damage; Low = no probable loss of human life, only minor economic / environmental losses. See the Dam Data Reference card above for the full definitions.
What's "% of normal"?
The current storage value compared to the historical average storage on this calendar day. 100% = right on average; values above 100% mean above-normal storage (wet year); values below mean below-normal (dry year or drought).
Can I get alerts when storage crosses a threshold?
Yes -- alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this dam, set a threshold, and you'll get a push the moment conditions cross.
Other water bodies near here
Snoflo-tracked reservoirs and dams within driving distance of Mcpherson Dam.