Tallaseehatchie Site 3- Big Wills Lake Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Tallaseehatchie Site 3- Big Wills Lake is a federal water supply dam located in Sylacauga, Alabama.
°F
°F
mph
Wind
%
Humidity
Summary
Built in 1974 by the USDA NRCS, this earth dam stands at 61 feet tall and has a hydraulic height of 15 feet. The dam has a storage capacity of 2535 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 869 acre-feet, serving the primary purpose of water supply for the area.
The dam is situated on Tallaseehatchie Creek and is owned and regulated by the Forest Service. It features a controlled spillway with a width of 4 feet and vertical lift outlet gates. Despite its low hazard potential, the risk assessment for this dam is rated as very high (1), indicating the need for careful monitoring and management. The last inspection was conducted in 2015, with a scheduled inspection frequency of 10 years.
Overall, Tallaseehatchie Site 3- Big Wills Lake is a crucial water resource infrastructure in Talladega County, Alabama, providing essential water supply services to the region. Climate and water resource enthusiasts will find this dam's design and operation details intriguing, highlighting the importance of maintaining and managing such critical infrastructure in the face of changing environmental conditions.
Year Completed |
1974 |
Dam Length |
550 |
Dam Height |
61 |
River Or Stream |
TALLASEEHATCHIE CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
15 |
Drainage Area |
6 |
Nid Storage |
2535 |
Outlet Gates |
Vertical Lift |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
61 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
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.
Tallaseehatchie Site 3- Big Wills Lake