Watkins dam
Watkins
Watkins, also known as Lynch Lake, is a private recreational dam located in Cook Springs, Alabama. Built in 1971, this Earth dam stands at a height of 16 feet with a hydraulic height of 13 feet. It has a storage capacity of 70 acre-feet, with a maximum discharge of 700 cubic feet per second. The dam serves primarily for recreational purposes, providing a serene environment for water enthusiasts to enjoy activities such as fishing and boating.
Despite its low hazard potential, Watkins has not been rated for its condition assessment. The dam is not regulated by the state and does not have any associated structures or locks. It is situated on the TR Cane Creek, within the Mobile District of Alabama. The dam's location in St. Clair County offers a picturesque setting for visitors to immerse themselves in nature and appreciate the importance of water resources in sustaining the local ecosystem.
While Watkins may not be a high-profile dam, its role in providing recreational opportunities and enhancing the natural landscape of Alabama is significant. Its peaceful surroundings and tranquil waters make it a perfect destination for those passionate about water resources and climate conservation. As enthusiasts explore this hidden gem, they can also reflect on the importance of preserving such reservoirs for future generations to enjoy.
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 Watkins -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Big Canoe Creek At Ashville Al | 115 cfs | → |
| Cahaba River At Trussville | 22 cfs | → |
| Little Cahaba River Below Leeds | 27 cfs | → |
| Blackburn Fork Little Warrior R Nr Holly Springs | 25 cfs | → |
| Kelly Creek Near Vincent Al | 392 cfs | → |
| Choccolocco Creek At Jackson Shoal Nr Lincoln Al | 407 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Watkins.
Track Watkins 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 Watkins
Where does the data for Watkins 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 Low 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 Watkins.