Bear Creek Dam
Key Takeaway
Bear Creek Dam is classified as high hazard in Alabama. It was completed in 1969 and is 57 years old. Its primary use is flood risk reduction. High hazard means loss of life is likely if the dam fails — it does not indicate the dam's current condition. Learn more.
Physical Details
| Dam Height | 68 ft (taller than 96.5% in AL) |
| Dam Length | 1,385 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 39.7K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 9.6K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 690 acres |
| Drainage Area | 233 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 73,000 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1969 (57 years old) |
| NID ID | AL05901 |
Safety Information
Loss of human life is likely if the dam fails.
Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?
Ownership
TVA
Federal Government
Nearby Dams
Little Bear Creek Dam
Franklin, AL
High Hazard 84 ftMcmurray Dam
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Significant Hazard 23 ftMobley Dam
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Significant Hazard 32 ftHodges Dam
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Significant HazardBerry Lake Dam
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Low HazardRaper Dam
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Low Hazard 31 ftElliott Lake Dam
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Low HazardFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Bear Creek Dam?
Bear Creek Dam is classified as High Hazard. Loss of human life is likely if the dam fails. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.
Who owns and operates Bear Creek Dam?
Bear Creek Dam is owned by TVA (Federal Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Bear Creek Dam built?
Bear Creek Dam was completed in 1969, making it 57 years old. Many U.S. dams were built between the 1930s and 1970s during a period of major infrastructure investment.
What is the primary purpose of Bear Creek Dam?
Bear Creek Dam serves the following purposes: Flood Risk Reduction, Other, Recreation, Water Supply. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Bear Creek Dam?
Bear Creek Dam has a dam height of 68 ft. Dam height is measured from the natural streambed at the downstream toe to the top of the dam, and may differ from the visible height.
When was Bear Creek Dam last inspected?
Bear Creek Dam was last inspected on July 13, 2020. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.