Ralph Cole #1 Reservoir Report
Nearby: Kenny Causey #2 Julian Washburn 1
Last Updated: December 14, 2025
Ralph Cole #1 is a private earth dam located in Greensboro, Alabama, on Big Prairie Creek.
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Summary
Built in 1984 by the USDA NRCS, this dam serves as a Fish and Wildlife Pond and has a storage capacity of 230 acre-feet. With a dam height of 14 feet and a length of 1100 feet, Ralph Cole #1 covers a surface area of 25 acres and has a drainage area of 0.42 square miles.
Despite being classified as having a low hazard potential, Ralph Cole #1 is rated as having a moderate risk level. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 75 feet, allowing for a maximum discharge of 300 cubic feet per second. The condition assessment of the dam is listed as "Not Rated," and there is no reported inspection frequency or emergency action plan prepared for the structure.
Owned privately and primarily used for fish and wildlife purposes, Ralph Cole #1 represents an important water resource in the area, contributing to conservation efforts and providing habitat for local wildlife. Enthusiasts of water resources and climate will find this dam's design and purpose intriguing, as well as its location in the scenic landscape of Hale County, Alabama.
Year Completed |
1984 |
Dam Length |
1100 |
Dam Height |
14 |
River Or Stream |
BIG PRAIRIE CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
25 |
Drainage Area |
0.42 |
Nid Storage |
230 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
14 |
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.
Ralph Cole #1