Narrows Lake in Shelby, Alabama, is a private dam built primarily for flood risk reduction along Ivy Branch.
Wind
Humidity
The earth dam stands at 19 feet tall and spans 300 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 19 acre-feet. While the dam also serves recreational purposes, its main function is to mitigate the potential hazard of flooding in the area. Despite its high hazard potential, the dam's condition assessment is currently not rated.
Located in Chelsea, Alabama, Narrows Lake is under the jurisdiction of the Mobile District of the US Army Corps of Engineers. The dam does not fall under state regulation and permitting, but it remains an important structure for flood control in the region. With a surface area of 2 acres and a high hazard potential, the dam's emergency action plan status, risk assessment, and management measures are currently not reported.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Narrows Lake presents an intriguing case study of a privately owned dam that plays a crucial role in flood risk reduction while offering recreational opportunities. The lack of state regulation and inspection raises questions about the dam's long-term maintenance and emergency preparedness. Further research into the dam's condition assessment, risk management measures, and emergency action plan could provide valuable insights into the challenges and importance of private dam ownership in ensuring water resource and climate resilience.
Dam Length |
300 |
Dam Height |
19 |
River Or Stream |
IVY BRANCH |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
2 |
Nid Storage |
19 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Nid Height |
19 |