Bear Creek Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Bear Creek Dam, also known as Bear Creek Reservoir, is a Federal-owned structure located in Red Bay, Alabama.


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Summary

Managed by the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), this earth dam was completed in 1969 for the primary purpose of flood risk reduction. With a height of 68 feet and a hydraulic height of 62 feet, the dam holds a normal storage capacity of 9,600 acre-feet and a maximum storage of 39,700 acre-feet, covering a surface area of 690 acres.

The dam, constructed by TVA, stands as a crucial structure on Bear Creek, offering flood protection, recreational opportunities, and water supply benefits. With a high hazard potential and moderate risk assessment, the dam underwent modifications in 2009 to enhance its foundation, hydraulic, and seismic capabilities. Despite not having a condition assessment available, regular inspections are carried out on a biennial basis to ensure the dam's safety and efficacy in flood control and water management.

Bear Creek Dam serves as a vital component of water resource management in the region, operated and regulated by TVA. Its strategic location on Bear Creek, in the Mobile District, highlights its importance in mitigating flood risks, providing recreational amenities, and ensuring water supply sustainability for the surrounding communities in Franklin County, Alabama.

Years Modified

2009 - Foundation, 2009 - Hydraulic, 2009 - Seismic

Year Completed

1969

Dam Length

1385

Dam Height

68

River Or Stream

BEAR CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

690

Hydraulic Height

62

Drainage Area

233

Nid Storage

39700

Structural Height

68

Outlet Gates

Slide (sluice gate), Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Rock, Soil

Nid Height

68
       
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.