Upper Bear Creek Dam
Key Takeaway
Upper Bear Creek Dam is classified as high hazard in Alabama. It was completed in 1978 and is 48 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 | 85 ft (taller than 97.7% in AL) |
| Dam Length | 1,515 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 40.1K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 37.4K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 1,470 acres |
| Drainage Area | 113 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 137,120 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1978 (48 years old) |
| NID ID | AL09301 |
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 Upper Bear Creek Dam?
Upper 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 Upper Bear Creek Dam?
Upper Bear Creek Dam is owned by TVA (Federal Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Upper Bear Creek Dam built?
Upper Bear Creek Dam was completed in 1978, making it 48 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 Upper Bear Creek Dam?
Upper 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 Upper Bear Creek Dam?
Upper Bear Creek Dam has a dam height of 85 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 Upper Bear Creek Dam last inspected?
Upper Bear Creek Dam was last inspected on January 22, 2020. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.