Belcher Lumber Company Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Belcher Lumber Company Dam, also known as Catfish Lake Dam, is a private-owned structure located in Oak Mountain State Park, Alabama.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

Built in 1968, this earth dam stands at a hydraulic height of 90 feet and a structural height of 129 feet, impounding the TR-CAHABA VALLEY CREEK to create a recreational reservoir with a storage capacity of 324 acre-feet. While the dam is primarily used for recreation, it also serves as a vital water resource for the surrounding area.

Despite its recreational use, Belcher Lumber Company Dam poses a high hazard potential due to its condition being labeled as "Not Rated". The dam's emergency action plan status, risk assessment, and inundation maps remain unclear, raising concerns about the level of preparedness in case of a dam failure. With no state regulation or inspection in place, the responsibility for ensuring the safety and maintenance of the dam falls solely on the private owner.

As water resource and climate enthusiasts, the intricacies of Belcher Lumber Company Dam's design, purpose, and maintenance practices provide a compelling case study in the intersection of human intervention and natural ecosystems. The lack of state oversight highlights the importance of proactive monitoring and management of water infrastructure to prevent potential hazards and ensure the long-term sustainability of water resources in the region.

Year Completed

1968

Dam Length

400

River Or Stream

TR-CAHABA VALLEY CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Hydraulic Height

90

Nid Storage

324

Structural Height

129

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

129
       
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.