R. L. Harris West Saddle Dike Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
The R.
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Summary
L. Harris West Saddle Dike, located in Randolph, Alabama, along the Tallapoosa River, is a key structure for hydroelectric power generation. Completed in 1983, this earth dam stands at a height of 40 feet and has a length of 800 feet, providing a storage capacity of 426,000 acre-feet and a surface area of 10,661 acres. Managed by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, the dam serves multiple purposes including fish and wildlife habitat, recreation, and of course, hydroelectric power production.
Despite its significant contribution to the region's water resource management and energy production, the R. L. Harris West Saddle Dike poses a high hazard potential due to its structural characteristics and location. Regularly inspected by federal agencies, such as the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, the dam's risk assessment is categorized as "Very High (1)", highlighting the importance of robust risk management measures. While the dam's condition assessment is currently unavailable, emergency action plans are in place to ensure swift response in case of any unforeseen events, with the last plan revision dated back to December 2020.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, the R. L. Harris West Saddle Dike stands as a significant infrastructure supporting both environmental conservation efforts and renewable energy production. With its strategic location along the Tallapoosa River and its critical role in hydroelectric power generation, this earth dam serves as a testament to sustainable water resource management practices. While facing high hazard potential, the dam's meticulous inspection and risk management processes underscore the commitment to ensuring the safety and reliability of this essential piece of infrastructure in Alabama's water landscape.
Year Completed |
1983 |
Dam Length |
800 |
Dam Height |
40 |
River Or Stream |
Tallapoosa River |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
10661 |
Hydraulic Height |
40 |
Nid Storage |
426000 |
Structural Height |
40 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Nid Height |
40 |
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.
R. L. Harris West Saddle Dike
County Road 888 Randolph County