R. L. Harris East Saddle Dike dam
R. L. Harris East Saddle Dike
The R. L. Harris East Saddle Dike, located in Randolph, Alabama, is a crucial structure for water resource and climate enthusiasts. This earth dam, completed in 1983, serves as a primary purpose for hydroelectric power generation, with additional benefits for fish and wildlife pond management and recreation activities. With a height of 30 feet and a length of 300 feet, this dam has a storage capacity of 426,000 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 10,661 acres.
Managed by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, the R. L. Harris East Saddle Dike plays a significant role in the Tallapoosa River ecosystem. Its controlled spillway and high hazard potential require regular inspections to ensure public safety and environmental protection. Despite its very high risk assessment, the condition assessment and risk management measures are not currently available, indicating a need for further evaluation and monitoring.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, the R. L. Harris East Saddle Dike presents a fascinating case study in dam infrastructure and management. Its location in the Mobile District and association with the Tallapoosa River make it a focal point for understanding the intersection of water resource development, energy generation, and environmental conservation efforts. As one of two associated structures in the area, this dam plays a vital role in sustaining the region's water supply, wildlife habitat, and recreational opportunities.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
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, environmental 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.
Plan around the weather
Same NOAA / yr.no feed Snoflo's iOS app uses. Watch the precipitation column on the meteogram -- rain on the basin upstream typically lifts inflow 24-72 hours later.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind. Each cell is colour-coded relative to the column min/max.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
Nearby streamflow gauges
USGS streamgauges around R. L. Harris East Saddle Dike -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Tallapoosa River At Wadley Al | 783 cfs | → |
| Little Tallapoosa River Near Newell Al | 107 cfs | → |
| Hillabee Creek Near Hackneyville Al | 68 cfs | → |
| Tallapoosa River Nr New Site | 563 cfs | → |
| Hillabahatchee Creek At Thaxton Rd | 12 cfs | → |
| Little Tallapoosa River Below Bowdon | 36 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near R. L. Harris East Saddle Dike .
Boat launches
- County Road 888 Randolph County
- R L Harris Dam Road Randolph County
- Primrose Lane Randolph County
- County Road 895 Randolph County
- County Road 880 Randolph County
- County Road 99 Randolph County
Campgrounds
Fishing spots
Track R. L. Harris East Saddle Dike in the Snoflo app
Save this dam as a favorite and get the local NOAA / yr.no forecast plus regional flow context wherever you are.
About R. L. Harris East Saddle Dike
Where does the data for R. L. Harris East Saddle Dike come from?
Structural and regulatory data come from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' National Inventory of Dams (NID). Weather forecast comes from NOAA / yr.no -- the same feed Snoflo's iOS app uses.
How often is the report updated?
NID structural data refreshes annually as the Corps publishes updated assessments. The weather forecast refreshes throughout the day.
What does the High hazard rating mean?
The Corps of Engineers' hazard potential classification grades probable consequences if the dam fails: High = probable loss of human life; Significant = no probable loss of human life but possible economic loss / environmental damage; Low = no probable loss of human life, only minor economic / environmental losses. See the Dam Data Reference card above for the full definitions.
What's "% of normal"?
The current storage value compared to the historical average storage on this calendar day. 100% = right on average; values above 100% mean above-normal storage (wet year); values below mean below-normal (dry year or drought).
Can I get alerts when storage crosses a threshold?
Yes -- alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this dam, set a threshold, and you'll get a push the moment conditions cross.
Other water bodies near here
Snoflo-tracked reservoirs and dams within driving distance of R. L. Harris East Saddle Dike .