R. L. Harris
Key Takeaway
R. L. Harris is classified as high hazard in Alabama. It was completed in 1983 and is 43 years old. Its primary use is hydroelectric. 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 | 152 ft (taller than 99.5% in AL) |
| Dam Length | 2,142 ft |
| Dam Type | Gravity |
| Max Storage | 426.0K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 426.0K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 10,661 acres |
| Drainage Area | 1,453 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 310,000 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1983 (43 years old) |
| NID ID | AL83001 |
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
Alabama Power Company
Public Utility
Nearby Dams
Crooked Creek W/S Dam Site 17a
Clay, AL
Significant Hazard 54 ftCrooked Creek W/S Dam Site 16
Clay, AL
High Hazard 60 ftKnight
Randolph, AL
Low HazardWedowee Club Lake
Randolph, AL
Low HazardFrost
Randolph, AL
Low HazardCollege Lake
Randolph, AL
Significant Hazard 21 ftHigh Pine Creek W/S Dam Site 6
Randolph, AL
Significant Hazard 57 ftKetchepedrake Creek W/S Dam Site 11
Clay, AL
Significant Hazard 46 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of R. L. Harris?
R. L. Harris 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 R. L. Harris?
R. L. Harris is owned by Alabama Power Company (Public Utility). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was R. L. Harris built?
R. L. Harris was completed in 1983, making it 43 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 R. L. Harris?
R. L. Harris serves the following purposes: Hydroelectric, Fish And Wildlife Pond, Recreation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is R. L. Harris?
R. L. Harris has a dam height of 152 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 R. L. Harris last inspected?
R. L. Harris was last inspected on June 15, 2022. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.