Widows Creek Fossil Plant - Active Ash Disposal Area Perimeter Dike Reservoir Report
Nearby: Mansel Wolf Dam Dobson #1
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
The Widows Creek Fossil Plant - Active Ash Disposal Area Perimeter Dike is a federally owned structure located in Stevenson, Alabama, along the Tennessee River.
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Summary
Built in 1959, this Earth-type dam stands at a height of 46 feet and has a length of 10,711 feet, with a storage capacity of 2,434 acre-feet. This dike serves as a critical component of the ash pond complex, also known as the Ash Dredge Cell, for the disposal of ash from the plant's operations.
Managed by the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) and designed in collaboration with the USDA NRCS, the Widows Creek dike has undergone modifications in 2011 to enhance its hydraulic and structural integrity. With a significant hazard potential and a very high risk rating, this structure is regularly inspected to ensure its stability and safety. The dam features a controlled spillway and valve outlet gates, with a maximum discharge capacity of 639 cubic feet per second.
The Widows Creek Fossil Plant dike plays a crucial role in managing the byproducts of power generation while protecting the surrounding environment and water resources. As a key element of the plant's infrastructure, its maintenance and monitoring are essential to prevent potential risks and ensure ongoing safe operation. With its strategic location and significant impact on the local ecosystem, this dike stands as a testament to sustainable ash disposal practices in the context of climate and water resource management.
Years Modified |
2011 - Hydraulic, 2011 - Structural |
Year Completed |
1959 |
Dam Length |
10711 |
Dam Height |
46 |
River Or Stream |
TENNESSEE RIVER - OFFSTREAM |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
160 |
Hydraulic Height |
46 |
Drainage Area |
0.5 |
Nid Storage |
2434 |
Structural Height |
46 |
Outlet Gates |
Valve |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
46 |
Seasonal Comparison
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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.
Widows Creek Fossil Plant - Active Ash Disposal Area Perimeter Dike