Ratcliffe Dam
Key Takeaway
Ratcliffe Dam is classified as low hazard in Alabama. It was completed in 1970 and is 56 years old. Its primary use is fish and wildlife pond.
Physical Details
| Dam Height | 15 ft (taller than 31.9% in AL) |
| Dam Length | 630 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 113 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 72 acre-ft |
| Drainage Area | 0 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 420 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1970 (56 years old) |
| NID ID | AL00232 |
Safety Information
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?
Ownership
JAMES C RATCLIFFE
Private
Nearby Dams
Hinton No. 1
Wilcox, AL
Low Hazard 15 ftHuckabee Dam
Wilcox, AL
Significant Hazard 13 ftE.T. Harrison
Wilcox, AL
Low Hazard 18 ftRalph Martin
Wilcox, AL
Low Hazard 19 ftHarrison Dam
Wilcox, AL
Low Hazard 25 ftMacmillan-Bloedel INC Waste Pond Dam
Wilcox, AL
Low HazardMarengo County Lake Dam
Marengo, AL
Low HazardFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Ratcliffe Dam?
Ratcliffe 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 Ratcliffe Dam?
Ratcliffe Dam is owned by JAMES C RATCLIFFE (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Ratcliffe Dam built?
Ratcliffe Dam was completed in 1970, making it 56 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 Ratcliffe Dam?
Ratcliffe Dam serves the following purposes: Fish And Wildlife Pond, Other, Recreation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Ratcliffe Dam?
Ratcliffe Dam has a dam height of 15 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.