Harless Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: J B Acker Mills Lake Dam Lower
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Harless Lake Dam in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, is a privately owned structure that was designed by the USDA NRCS and completed in 1953.
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Summary
This earth dam stands at a height of 28 feet and has a length of 383 feet, creating a fish and wildlife pond with a storage capacity of 78 acre-feet. The dam is located on TR-Box Creek and is managed by the Natural Resources Conservation Service.
Despite its low hazard potential, Harless Lake Dam has a moderate risk assessment rating of 3. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 33 feet and a maximum discharge capacity of 268 cubic feet per second. While it has not been inspected since 1978, the structure remains in a condition that is currently not rated, highlighting the importance of regularly assessing its safety and maintenance needs to ensure the protection of downstream communities and ecosystems.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Harless Lake Dam presents an intriguing case study of a privately owned earth dam serving a primarily ecological purpose. With its unique design and history, this structure offers opportunities for further research and analysis in the realm of dam safety, water management, and habitat conservation.
Year Completed |
1953 |
Dam Length |
383 |
Dam Height |
28 |
River Or Stream |
TR-BOX CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Drainage Area |
0.15 |
Nid Storage |
78 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
28 |
Seasonal Comparison
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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.
Harless Lake Dam