Ottis Burrow Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Ege Farm Dam Sportsman Lake Dam
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Ottis Burrow Dam, located in Cullman, Alabama, is a privately owned earth dam completed in 1960 with a primary purpose of fire protection, stock, or small fish pond.
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Summary
The dam stands at a hydraulic height of 12 feet and a structural height of 13 feet, with a length of 900 feet. It has a storage capacity of 50 acre-feet and a maximum discharge of 310 cubic feet per second. Despite being a private dam, Ottis Burrow Dam has a high hazard potential, emphasizing the need for proper maintenance and monitoring to ensure public safety.
The dam, part of the Nashville District, serves multiple purposes including fire protection, recreation, and maintaining a small fishpond. While the dam's condition is currently not rated, its hazard potential is classified as high, highlighting the importance of implementing risk management measures and emergency action plans. With its location in the picturesque county of Cullman and its contribution to water resource management in the area, Ottis Burrow Dam stands as a notable landmark for water resource and climate enthusiasts to explore and study.
Overall, Ottis Burrow Dam's historical significance, combined with its practical purposes and potential risks, make it a compelling subject for those interested in water resource management and climate adaptation. As a privately owned structure with a long history of service, the dam serves as a reminder of the importance of proper infrastructure maintenance and emergency preparedness in the face of changing environmental conditions and increasing water-related challenges.
Year Completed |
1960 |
Dam Length |
900 |
River Or Stream |
UNKNOWN |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
12 |
Nid Storage |
50 |
Structural Height |
13 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Nid Height |
13 |
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.
Ottis Burrow Dam