Sharps Mill Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Sharps Mill Dam, also known as White@S Lake Dam, is a gravity dam located in Lauderdale, Alabama, on the Little Cypress Creek.


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Summary

Built in 1929, this private-owned structure serves a variety of purposes beyond flood control and water storage, making it a focal point for water resource and climate enthusiasts. With a hydraulic height of 15 feet and a length of 150 feet, Sharps Mill Dam has a significant hazard potential and has not been rated for its current condition.

Despite its age and potential risks, Sharps Mill Dam has not been regulated or inspected by the state of Alabama. This lack of oversight raises concerns about the dam's safety and the potential consequences of a failure. With a maximum storage capacity of 72 acre-feet and a normal storage level of 52 acre-feet, the dam plays a crucial role in managing water resources in the region. However, the absence of state permitting, inspection, and enforcement raises questions about its long-term sustainability.

As climate change continues to impact water resources and infrastructure across the country, Sharps Mill Dam serves as a reminder of the importance of proactive maintenance and regulation. With its significant hazard potential and lack of state oversight, the dam presents a potential risk to the surrounding community. It is essential for stakeholders to prioritize the safety and maintenance of this structure to ensure the protection of both the environment and local residents.

Year Completed

1929

Dam Length

150

River Or Stream

LITTLE CYPRESS CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Gravity

Hydraulic Height

15

Nid Storage

72

Structural Height

15

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

15
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

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. 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

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, 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.