Strip Mining Impoundment Dam No 1 Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Strip Mining Impoundment Dam No 1, located in Patton, Alabama, is a significant earth dam with a hydraulic height of 104 feet and a structural height of 108 feet.
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Summary
Completed in 1970, this dam serves a primary purpose of "Other" and has a storage capacity of 541 acre-feet. The dam, managed by a public utility, poses a significant hazard potential and has not been rated for its condition.
Situated on the TR-THE NARROWS river stream in Walker County, Alabama, this dam has a length of 725 feet and a maximum discharge capacity of 870 cubic feet per second. Despite being a non-federal structure, it falls under the jurisdiction of the Mobile District of the US Army Corps of Engineers. The dam has not been inspected or rated for its condition, and there is no Emergency Action Plan prepared for it.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Strip Mining Impoundment Dam No 1 presents an intriguing case study in dam management and safety. With its significant hazard potential and lack of regulatory oversight, this dam highlights the importance of regular inspections, maintenance, and emergency preparedness in ensuring the safety and integrity of critical water infrastructure. As debates continue over the environmental impacts of strip mining and impoundment dams, this structure serves as a reminder of the complex challenges and responsibilities involved in managing water resources in a changing climate.
Year Completed |
1970 |
Dam Length |
725 |
River Or Stream |
TR-THE NARROWS |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
104 |
Nid Storage |
541 |
Structural Height |
108 |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Nid Height |
108 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Lost Creek Above Parrish
|
128cfs |
Mulberry Fork At Cordova Al
|
296cfs |
Valley Creek Near Oak Grove Al
|
111cfs |
Locust Fork At Sayre
|
182cfs |
Blackwater Creek Near Manchester Al
|
91cfs |
Village Creek Near Docena
|
123cfs |
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.
Strip Mining Impoundment Dam No 1