J A Meridith Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Located in Dallas County, Alabama, the J A Meridith Dam is a private structure designed by the USDA NRCS and completed in 1958.


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Summary

This earth dam, standing at a height of 15 feet and stretching 400 feet in length, serves primarily as a Fish and Wildlife Pond. With a storage capacity of 158 acre-feet and a drainage area of 0.23 square miles, the dam plays a crucial role in fire protection, stock, small fish pond management, and recreational activities in the area.

The J A Meridith Dam is situated on the TR-Bogue Chitto Creek, within the jurisdiction of the Mobile District of the US Army Corps of Engineers. Despite its low hazard potential and moderate risk assessment, the dam has not been rated for its condition. The spillway of the dam is uncontrolled with a width of 56 feet, allowing for a maximum discharge of 800 cubic feet per second. While the dam has not been inspected recently and lacks an Emergency Action Plan, its design and purpose cater to the conservation of wildlife and enhancement of recreational opportunities for the community.

With its picturesque setting and vital role in local ecosystem preservation, the J A Meridith Dam stands as a testament to the collaborative efforts of the Natural Resources Conservation Service in maintaining water resources in Alabama. The dam not only provides essential water storage for fish and wildlife but also contributes to the overall environmental sustainability of the area. As a hidden gem in the heart of Dallas County, the J A Meridith Dam continues to be a focal point for water resource and climate enthusiasts seeking to explore the intersection of nature and engineering in the region.

Year Completed

1958

Dam Length

400

Dam Height

15

River Or Stream

TR-BOGUE CHITTO CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Drainage Area

0.23

Nid Storage

158

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

15
       
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.