Dr Vincent Best Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Wade H Odom Dam Best Dam
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
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Summary
Vincent Best Dam, located in Sims Chapel, Alabama, was completed in 1962 and is primarily used for recreation purposes. The earth dam has a hydraulic height of 21 feet and a structural height of 24 feet, with a length of 566 feet. It has a storage capacity of 84 acre-feet and a maximum discharge of 630 cubic feet per second. Despite being privately owned, the dam is not regulated by the state and has a low hazard potential, with a condition assessment of "Not Rated".
The dam, situated on TR-Bates Creek offstream, falls under the jurisdiction of the Mobile District of the US Army Corps of Engineers. It is not federally owned or funded and has not been subject to inspections or enforcement by federal agencies. The dam does not have associated structures or locks, making it a simple yet important structure for water resource management in the area. While it may not have a significant impact on the surrounding drainage area, the dam provides essential recreational opportunities for the local community.
Overall, Dr. Vincent Best Dam serves as a valuable resource for the residents of Washington County, Alabama, offering a peaceful retreat for outdoor activities and water-based recreation. Its low hazard potential and unregulated status highlight the need for continued monitoring and maintenance to ensure the safety and longevity of this essential water infrastructure. As water resource and climate enthusiasts, it is crucial to appreciate and support the role of dams like Dr. Vincent Best in providing both recreational enjoyment and environmental benefits to the local community.
Year Completed |
1962 |
Dam Length |
566 |
River Or Stream |
TR-BATES CREEK OFFSTREAM |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
21 |
Nid Storage |
84 |
Structural Height |
24 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
24 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Chickasawhay River At Leakesville
|
1090cfs |
Big Creek At County Rd 63 Near Wilmer
|
190cfs |
Chickasaw Creek Near Kushla Al
|
766cfs |
Crooked Creek Near Fairview
|
32cfs |
Escatawpa River Near Agricola Ms
|
420cfs |
Pascagoula River At Merrill
|
2860cfs |
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.
Dr Vincent Best Dam
Begins Approximately 2 River Miles Downstream From The Yellowhouse Branch Confluence With The Escatawpa River Near The Town Of Deer Park, Alabama
To Ends Approximately 1 River Mile Upstream From The U.S. Highway 98 Bridge