Stephens Mill dam
Stephens Mill
Stephens Mill is a private recreational dam located in Chambers, Alabama, along the South Sandy Creek. Built in 1952, this gravity dam stands at a structural height of 15 feet with a hydraulic height of 13 feet. With a storage capacity of 240 acre-feet and a maximum discharge rate of 850 cubic feet per second, Stephens Mill provides ample opportunities for water recreation in the area.
Despite not being state-regulated or permitted, Stephens Mill is deemed to have a significant hazard potential, highlighting the importance of regular inspections and emergency preparedness measures. The dam's condition assessment is currently listed as "Not Rated," indicating a need for further evaluation to ensure the safety and integrity of the structure. With its location in a picturesque setting and its vital role in providing recreational opportunities, Stephens Mill serves as a key site for water resource and climate enthusiasts to explore and appreciate.
Overall, Stephens Mill presents a unique blend of historical significance and natural beauty, making it a must-visit destination for those interested in water resources and climate. With its gravity dam design and vast storage capacity, this private recreational site offers a glimpse into the intersection of human engineering and environmental stewardship. As efforts continue to assess and manage the potential risks associated with the dam, Stephens Mill remains a beacon of recreation and exploration in the heart of Chambers, Alabama.
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 Stephens Mill -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Sougahatchee Creek At Co Rd 188 Nr Loachapoka | 37 cfs | → |
| Chewacla Creek At Chewacla State Park Nr Auburn | 6 cfs | → |
| Tallapoosa River Nr New Site | 752 cfs | → |
| Uphapee Creek Near Tuskegee Al | 232 cfs | → |
| Chattahoochee River At West Point | 866 cfs | → |
| Tallapoosa River At Wadley Al | 1,050 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Stephens Mill.
⚓ Boat launches
- War Eagle Drive, Dadeville
- Ramp Road, Dadeville
- Boat Ramp Road, Jacksons' Gap
- Hamlet Mill Road Tallapoosa County
- Yates Lake Ramp
- Our Children's Highway 15529-15531, Alexander City
⛺ Campgrounds
- Chewacla State Park
- Lake Martin Military
- Lake Martin Recreation Area
- Spring Villa Campground
- Wind Creek State Park
- Burnt Village
Track Stephens Mill 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 Stephens Mill
Where does the data for Stephens Mill 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 Significant 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 Stephens Mill.