Ralph Martin Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Ralph Martin is a private earth dam located in Wilcox, Alabama, near the city of Camden.


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Summary

Built in 1987 by the USDA NRCS, this structure serves as a vital resource for water management in the area. With a dam height of 19 feet and a length of 1300 feet, Ralph Martin has a storage capacity of 130 acre-feet and a normal storage level of 69 acre-feet.

The dam, situated on TR-DIXONS CK., has a low hazard potential and is currently rated as "Not Rated" in terms of condition assessment. Despite its moderate risk assessment rating, Ralph Martin has not been inspected recently, with an inspection frequency of 0. The spillway, which is uncontrolled, has a width of 100 feet, allowing for a maximum discharge of 890 cubic feet per second. While the dam has not undergone any modifications in recent years, it remains a critical infrastructure for water resource management in the region.

Enthusiasts of water resources and climate will find Ralph Martin to be an intriguing case study in earth dam construction and management. With its association with the Natural Resources Conservation Service and its location in the Mobile District of Alabama, this dam exemplifies the importance of sustainable water infrastructure. As discussions around climate change and water scarcity continue to grow, structures like Ralph Martin play a crucial role in ensuring the efficient distribution and management of water resources in their respective communities.

Year Completed

1987

Dam Length

1300

Dam Height

19

River Or Stream

TR-DIXONS CK.

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

16

Drainage Area

0.5

Nid Storage

130

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

19
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.