Harry Horn No.5 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Harry Horn No.5, located in Hale County, Alabama, is a privately owned Earth dam that was completed in 1988 by the USDA NRCS.


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Summary

This structure serves as a Fish and Wildlife Pond, providing essential habitat for local wildlife in the area. With a height of 11 feet and a length of 2569 feet, the dam has a storage capacity of 172 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 19 acres. The dam is situated on the TR-Little Prairie Creek and is under the jurisdiction of the Mobile District of the US Army Corps of Engineers.

Despite being classified as having a low hazard potential, Harry Horn No.5 has been rated as having a moderate risk level due to its proximity to a populated area. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 10 feet and a maximum discharge capacity of 25 cfs. While the structure has not been inspected since September 1988, it remains in good condition and has not been rated for its current state. The dam does not have an Emergency Action Plan prepared, and there are no documented risk management measures in place.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Harry Horn No.5 offers a fascinating case study of a privately owned dam that plays a crucial role in supporting local fish and wildlife populations. Its construction by the USDA NRCS highlights the importance of collaboration between government agencies and private landowners in preserving natural habitats. As concerns about dam safety and risk management continue to grow, monitoring and maintaining structures like Harry Horn No.5 will be essential to ensure the safety of nearby communities and the sustainability of the surrounding ecosystem.

Year Completed

1988

Dam Length

2569

Dam Height

11

River Or Stream

TR-LITTLE PRAIRIE CK.

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

19

Drainage Area

0.19

Nid Storage

172

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

11
       
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.