Robert Free #5 Reservoir Report
Nearby: Robert Free #4
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Robert Free #5 is a private-owned earth dam located in Orrville, Alabama, specifically in Dallas County.
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Summary
Completed in 1998 by the USDA NRCS, this dam's primary purpose is to support fish and wildlife in the area, with a normal storage capacity of 80.6 acre-feet and a surface area of 12 acres. The dam stands at a height of 10.5 feet and spans 1600 feet in length, containing a maximum storage capacity of 111.85 acre-feet.
Situated along the TR Cahaba River, Robert Free #5 is managed by the Natural Resources Conservation Service and falls under the jurisdiction of the state of Alabama. Despite its low hazard potential and moderate risk assessment, the dam is currently not rated for its condition, and it lacks an emergency action plan. With no recent inspection data available, there is a need for further evaluation and potential updates to ensure the safety and effectiveness of this crucial water resource infrastructure.
As climate change impacts water resources and ecosystems, the maintenance and proper management of structures like Robert Free #5 become increasingly vital. The dam's role in supporting fish and wildlife highlights the interconnected relationship between water resources, climate resilience, and biodiversity conservation. As efforts continue to address the evolving challenges of water management in the face of climate change, the importance of maintaining and safeguarding dams like Robert Free #5 for both ecological and human benefits remains paramount.
Year Completed |
1998 |
Dam Length |
1600 |
Dam Height |
10.5 |
River Or Stream |
TR CAHABA RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
12 |
Drainage Area |
0.02 |
Nid Storage |
111.85 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
11 |
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.
Charlie Dunkin