Barry Bates 4b Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Barry Bates 4b is a privately owned fish and wildlife pond located in Hale, Alabama, specifically in the city of Demopolis.


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Summary

Built by the USDA NRCS in 1994, this earth dam stands at a height of 8.8 feet and has a length of 3885 feet. With a storage capacity of 94 acre-feet, the dam serves as a habitat for various aquatic species while also providing recreational opportunities for the local community.

Despite its low hazard potential, Barry Bates 4b has a moderate risk assessment rating due to its location near Greer Creek offstream. The dam's spillway type is uncontrolled, and it has not been inspected or assessed for conditions in recent times. While the dam does not have an Emergency Action Plan in place, its purpose as a fish and wildlife pond underscores the importance of maintaining its structural integrity to support ecosystem health and conservation efforts in the region.

Overall, Barry Bates 4b is a valuable water resource in Alabama that contributes to the preservation of local wildlife and provides opportunities for outdoor recreation. Its construction and management by the USDA NRCS highlight the collaborative efforts between private landowners and government agencies to sustainably manage water resources for ecological and recreational purposes. As climate change impacts water availability and quality, the maintenance of structures like Barry Bates 4b becomes essential in ensuring the resilience of ecosystems and communities in the face of environmental challenges.

Year Completed

1994

Dam Length

3885

Dam Height

8.8

River Or Stream

GREER CREEK OFFSTREAM

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

12

Drainage Area

0.02

Nid Storage

94

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

9
       
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.