Mcdavid Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Mcdavid Lake Dam, located in Harris Community, Alabama, is a privately owned structure that serves primarily for recreation purposes.


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Summary

Completed in 1952, this earth dam stands at a hydraulic height of 21 feet and a structural height of 24 feet, with a length of 500 feet. It has a storage capacity of 109 acre-feet and a maximum discharge rate of 300 cubic feet per second.

Despite not being regulated by the state, Mcdavid Lake Dam has been classified as having a significant hazard potential. Its condition is currently listed as "Not Rated," and there is no available information on the last inspection date or assessment of risk. The dam does not have an Emergency Action Plan in place, and there are no designated emergency contacts or preparedness measures specified.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Mcdavid Lake Dam offers a fascinating case study in the management and safety of recreational water structures. With its significant hazard potential and lack of state regulation, the dam presents challenges in ensuring public safety and emergency preparedness. Further research and monitoring may be needed to assess and mitigate potential risks associated with this privately owned dam in Alabama's Shelby County.

Year Completed

1952

Dam Length

500

River Or Stream

TR.LEE BRANCH

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Hydraulic Height

21

Nid Storage

109

Structural Height

24

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

24
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.