Gault Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Mcgee Dam Dolan Davis Dam
Last Updated: January 2, 2026
Gault Lake Dam, located in Lamar, Alabama, was constructed in 1950 by the USDA NRCS for the primary purpose of serving as a Fish and Wildlife Pond.
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Summary
The dam, with a height of 20 feet and a length of 400 feet, has a maximum storage capacity of 116 acre-feet and a normal storage capacity of 82 acre-feet. The dam's spillway is uncontrolled with a width of 40 feet, allowing for a maximum discharge of 665 cubic feet per second.
Despite being privately owned, Gault Lake Dam is regulated by the state of Alabama and falls under the jurisdiction of the Mobile District of the US Army Corps of Engineers. The dam has a low hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment rating. Although it has not been inspected since 1979 and is currently rated as "Not Rated" in terms of condition assessment, the dam continues to serve its purpose of providing habitat for fish and wildlife as well as recreational opportunities for the community surrounding Mud Creek.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Gault Lake Dam represents a unique example of a privately owned earth dam that contributes to the local ecosystem while also posing a moderate risk in terms of potential hazards. The dam's location in a small drainage area of 0.06 square miles and its limited surface area of 12 acres make it a key feature in the region's water management and conservation efforts. As efforts to assess and manage the dam's condition and risk continue, it remains an important structure for both wildlife and recreational purposes in the area.
Year Completed |
1950 |
Dam Length |
400 |
Dam Height |
20 |
River Or Stream |
TR-MUD CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
12 |
Drainage Area |
0.06 |
Nid Storage |
116 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
20 |
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.
Gault Lake Dam