Sara Ealum Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Sara Ealum is a private fish and wildlife pond located in Cahaba, Alabama, within Dallas County.
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Summary
Managed by the USDA NRCS, this earth dam structure was completed in 1995 and serves as a habitat for various aquatic species. With a storage capacity of 151 acre-feet and a surface area of 13 acres, Sara Ealum also plays a crucial role in regulating the flow of the TR Cahaba river.
Despite not being regulated by the state or federal agencies, Sara Ealum is considered to have a significant hazard potential, with a moderate risk assessment rating. The spillway, though uncontrolled, has a width of 60 feet and can handle a maximum discharge of 195 cubic feet per second. While the dam's condition is currently not rated, its purpose as a fish and wildlife pond underscores its importance in supporting local ecosystem diversity and conservation efforts.
As water resource and climate enthusiasts, the data on Sara Ealum provides valuable insights into the role of private structures in enhancing environmental sustainability. With its unique design and strategic location, this dam not only contributes to habitat preservation but also serves as a potential model for community-driven conservation initiatives. By understanding and promoting the significance of such structures, we can work towards a more resilient and ecologically balanced future for our water resources and natural landscapes.
Year Completed |
1995 |
Dam Length |
1100 |
River Or Stream |
TR CAHABA |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
13 |
Drainage Area |
0.18 |
Nid Storage |
151 |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
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.
Sara Ealum