Walter F. George Lock and Dam
Key Takeaway
Walter F. George Lock and Dam is classified as high hazard in Alabama. It was completed in 1962 and is 64 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 | 106 ft (taller than 98.8% in AL) |
| Dam Length | 13,585 ft |
| Dam Type | Concrete |
| Max Storage | 934.4K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 934.0K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 45,181 acres |
| Drainage Area | 7,460 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 631,500 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1962 (64 years old) |
| NID ID | AL01432 |
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
USACE - Mobile District
Federal Government
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Low Hazard 24 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Walter F. George Lock and Dam?
Walter F. George Lock and 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 Walter F. George Lock and Dam?
Walter F. George Lock and Dam is owned by USACE - Mobile District (Federal Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Walter F. George Lock and Dam built?
Walter F. George Lock and Dam was completed in 1962, making it 64 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 Walter F. George Lock and Dam?
Walter F. George Lock and Dam serves the following purposes: Hydroelectric, Navigation, Recreation, Flood Risk Reduction. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Walter F. George Lock and Dam?
Walter F. George Lock and Dam has a dam height of 106 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 Walter F. George Lock and Dam last inspected?
Walter F. George Lock and Dam was last inspected on February 4, 2020. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.