Summary
Built in 1984 by the USDA NRCS, this 17-foot high earth dam serves primarily for recreational purposes, offering a storage capacity of 312 acre-feet. With a significant hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment rating, Carl Wittichen is a notable structure in St. Clair County, Alabama, managed by the Mobile District of the US Army Corps of Engineers.
Despite its private ownership, Carl Wittichen plays a crucial role in providing recreational opportunities for the local community while also contributing to water resource management in the area. With a spillway width of 200 feet and a maximum discharge of 873 cubic feet per second, this dam ensures the safety and stability of the surrounding environment. While its condition assessment is currently unrated, ongoing monitoring and risk management measures are in place to maintain the integrity of the structure.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Carl Wittichen represents a fascinating case study of a privately owned dam with significant implications for both recreational activities and water management. Its presence on Canoe Creek highlights the interconnectedness of human infrastructure with natural ecosystems, emphasizing the importance of responsible stewardship and risk assessment in maintaining the safety and sustainability of such structures in the face of changing environmental conditions.
Year Completed |
1984 |
Dam Length |
1200 |
Dam Height |
17 |
River Or Stream |
CANOE CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Drainage Area |
1.12 |
Nid Storage |
312 |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Nid Height |
17 |
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.
Carl Wittichen