Pates Lake Dam

TR-LUBUB CREEK· Pickens, Alabama· Built 1945· Earth· 27 ft tall
Low Hazard Recreation Private

Key Takeaway

Pates Lake Dam is classified as low hazard in Alabama. It was completed in 1945 and is 81 years old. Its primary use is recreation.

Physical Details

Dam Height 27 ft (taller than 80.2% in AL)
Dam Length800 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage692 acre-ft
Normal Storage589 acre-ft
Drainage Area2 sq mi
Max Discharge1,750 cfs
Year Completed1945 (81 years old)
NID IDAL00167

Safety Information

Low Hazard

No probable loss of human life and low economic/environmental losses expected.

Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?

Emergency Action Plan: No
State Regulated: No

Ownership

HUGH PATE

Private

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Pates Lake Dam?

Pates Lake Dam is classified as Low Hazard. No probable loss of human life and low economic/environmental losses expected. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.

Who owns and operates Pates Lake Dam?

Pates Lake Dam is owned by HUGH PATE (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Pates Lake Dam built?

Pates Lake Dam was completed in 1945, making it 81 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 Pates Lake Dam?

Pates Lake Dam serves the following purposes: Recreation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is Pates Lake Dam?

Pates Lake Dam has a dam height of 27 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.

Data from the National Inventory of Dams (NID) maintained by the US Army Corps of Engineers. Dam conditions may have changed since the last update. This site is not affiliated with USACE. Do not use for emergency planning — contact your local dam safety program.