Sanders Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: January 12, 2026
Located in South Pickensville, Alabama, Sanders Dam is a private earth dam built in 1965 for recreational purposes.
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Summary
The dam stands at a hydraulic height of 11 feet and a structural height of 15 feet, with a length of 450 feet. It has a storage capacity of 53 acre-feet and a maximum discharge of 900 cubic feet per second. With a significant hazard potential, the dam has not been rated for its condition assessment.
Sanders Dam, situated on the Pine Knot Branch, falls under the jurisdiction of the Mobile District of the US Army Corps of Engineers. Despite being a private structure, the dam is not regulated or permitted by the state of Alabama. In case of emergencies, the dam does not have an Emergency Action Plan prepared or updated, posing potential risks to the surrounding area.
Although Sanders Dam serves primarily as a recreational site, its lack of state regulation, inspection, and enforcement raises concerns for water resource and climate enthusiasts. With its significant hazard potential and inadequate emergency preparedness, stakeholders may want to advocate for improved safety measures to mitigate potential risks associated with the dam.
Year Completed |
1965 |
Dam Length |
450 |
River Or Stream |
PINE KNOT BRANCH |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
11 |
Nid Storage |
53 |
Structural Height |
15 |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Nid Height |
15 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Tombigbee River At Bevill L&D Nr Pickensville
|
3840cfs |
Noxubee River Nr Geiger
|
1280cfs |
Noxubee River At Macon
|
615cfs |
Luxapallila Creek Nr Columbus
|
2220cfs |
Tombigbee R At Gainesville L&D Nr Gainesville Al
|
8870cfs |
Sipsey River Nr Elrod
|
1010cfs |
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.
Sanders Dam