James A Wheeler Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 14, 2025
James A Wheeler Lake Dam, located in Perry County, Alabama, is a privately owned earth dam designed by the USDA NRCS and completed in 1979.
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Summary
This dam, standing at 18 feet tall and 1000 feet long, serves as a vital structure on the TR-Big Prairie Creek, providing a storage capacity of 140 acre-feet and a maximum discharge of 1262 cubic feet per second. The dam's primary purpose is categorized as 'Other', with a low hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment rating.
Despite not being regulated or inspected by the state, James A Wheeler Lake Dam plays a crucial role in water resource management in the region. With a spillway width of 200 feet and a surface area of 15 acres, this dam helps control water flow and provides essential storage for the surrounding area. While its condition is currently not rated, the dam's risk assessment suggests moderate risk, highlighting the importance of ongoing monitoring and potential risk management measures to ensure its safety and functionality. For water resource and climate enthusiasts, James A Wheeler Lake Dam offers a fascinating example of human-made infrastructure shaping the local hydrological landscape.
Year Completed |
1979 |
Dam Length |
1000 |
Dam Height |
18 |
River Or Stream |
TR-BIG PRAIRIE CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
15 |
Drainage Area |
0.72 |
Nid Storage |
140 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
18 |
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.
James A Wheeler Lake Dam