Dr. Patton S Lake Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Dr.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

Patton S Lake, located in Blount, Alabama, is a private fish and wildlife pond designed by USDA NRCS in 1978. The earth dam stands at 30 feet high and stretches 560 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 433 acre-feet. The reservoir covers 23 acres and serves as a habitat for various wildlife species, making it a popular spot for recreational activities in the area.

Despite being privately owned, Dr. Patton S Lake does not fall under state jurisdiction or regulation, with no permitting, inspection, enforcement, or state agency involvement. The dam is classified as low hazard potential with a moderate risk assessment rating. The spillway is uncontrolled with a width of 51 feet, allowing for a maximum discharge of 618 cubic feet per second. While the condition assessment is not rated, the dam has not been inspected since 1980, raising some concerns about its current state and safety measures.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Dr. Patton S Lake presents an interesting case study of a privately owned dam serving multiple purposes like fish and wildlife habitat conservation and recreation. The lack of recent inspections and regulatory oversight highlights the importance of regular maintenance and monitoring to ensure the safety and sustainability of such water infrastructure. With its scenic location and potential ecological significance, this reservoir is a valuable resource worth further exploration and study in the context of water management and conservation efforts.

Year Completed

1978

Dam Length

560

Dam Height

30

River Or Stream

CHANEY BRANCH

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

23

Drainage Area

0.63

Nid Storage

433

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

30
       
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.