Little Bear Creek Dam
Key Takeaway
Little Bear Creek Dam is classified as high hazard in Alabama. It was completed in 1975 and is 51 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 | 84 ft (taller than 97.6% in AL) |
| Dam Length | 2,425 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 52.5K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 45.3K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 1,300 acres |
| Drainage Area | 61 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 54,970 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1975 (51 years old) |
| NID ID | AL05903 |
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
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Low HazardFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Little Bear Creek Dam?
Little 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 Little Bear Creek Dam?
Little Bear Creek Dam is owned by TVA (Federal Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Little Bear Creek Dam built?
Little Bear Creek Dam was completed in 1975, making it 51 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 Little Bear Creek Dam?
Little 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 Little Bear Creek Dam?
Little Bear Creek Dam has a dam height of 84 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 Little Bear Creek Dam last inspected?
Little Bear Creek Dam was last inspected on January 22, 2020. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.