Cumberland Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Located in Masseyline, Alabama, the Cumberland Dam is a privately owned recreational structure built in 1954 along the TR-Gurley Creek.


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Summary

Standing at a hydraulic height of 62 feet, this earth dam spans 760 feet and has a NID storage capacity of 910 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 690 acre-feet. The dam provides a serene water body for recreational activities, attracting water resource and climate enthusiasts to its picturesque surroundings in Jefferson County.

Despite its primary purpose for recreation, the Cumberland Dam poses a high hazard potential due to its structural design and location. With a maximum discharge capacity of 1440 cubic feet per second and no designated spillway type, the dam's condition assessment remains unrated, raising concerns about its ability to withstand potential emergencies. While it is not regulated by the state and lacks official inspections, the dam's emergency action plan and risk management measures remain undisclosed, leaving room for uncertainty among stakeholders.

Given the Cumberland Dam's historical significance and ecological impact on the TR-Gurley Creek watershed, water resource and climate enthusiasts are encouraged to advocate for improved hazard mitigation strategies and regular inspections to ensure the dam's safety and longevity. As a vital recreational resource in Alabama, the Cumberland Dam serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between human development and environmental conservation in our changing climate landscape.

Year Completed

1954

Dam Length

760

River Or Stream

TR-GURLEY CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Hydraulic Height

62

Nid Storage

910

Structural Height

62

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

62
       
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.