Charles Woodham Lake Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Charles Woodham Lake, also known as Woodham Pond, is a private reservoir located in Covington, Alabama, specifically in the Watkins Bridge Community.


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Summary

Built in 1974, this gravity dam serves primarily for irrigation purposes, with additional benefits for recreation. The dam stands at 18 feet high with a hydraulic height of 17 feet, providing a storage capacity of 85 acre-feet. The reservoir is fed by the TR Yellow River and has a low hazard potential, making it a relatively low-risk structure in terms of potential environmental impact.

Situated within the Mobile District of Alabama, Charles Woodham Lake offers a peaceful retreat for water resource and climate enthusiasts. With a maximum discharge of 389 cubic feet per second, this reservoir plays a crucial role in managing water resources in the area. Despite its private ownership, the dam has not been rated for its condition assessment, and there have been no recent inspections or emergency preparedness plans documented. However, the reservoir's function for irrigation and recreation highlights its importance in sustaining local water supply and supporting outdoor activities for the community.

As part of Congressional District 02 in Alabama, Charles Woodham Lake is overseen by Representative Martha Roby and falls under the jurisdiction of the state. With no state regulations or permitting requirements, the dam operates independently for now. However, the lack of recent assessments or emergency plans raises questions about the long-term sustainability and safety of this essential water resource. As climate change continues to impact water availability and quality, monitoring and maintaining structures like Charles Woodham Lake will be crucial for ensuring a reliable and resilient water supply for the future.

Year Completed

1974

Dam Length

655

River Or Stream

TR YELLOW RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Gravity

Hydraulic Height

17

Nid Storage

85

Structural Height

18

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

18
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

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.