Widows Creek Fossil Plant - Active Ash Disposal Area Perimeter Dike

TENNESSEE RIVER - OFFSTREAM· Jackson, Alabama· Built 1959· Earth· 46 ft tall
Significant Hazard Other Federal Government

Key Takeaway

Widows Creek Fossil Plant - Active Ash Disposal Area Perimeter Dike is classified as significant hazard in Alabama. It was completed in 1959 and is 67 years old. Its primary use is other. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 46 ft (taller than 92.5% in AL)
Dam Length10,711 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage2.4K acre-ft
Normal Storage39 acre-ft
Surface Area160 acres
Drainage Area1 sq mi
Max Discharge639 cfs
Year Completed1959 (67 years old)
NID IDAL02597

Safety Information

Significant Hazard

No probable loss of human life, but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, or disruption of lifeline facilities.

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

Emergency Action Plan: Yes
Last Inspection: March 11, 2021
State Regulated: No

Ownership

TVA

Federal Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Widows Creek Fossil Plant - Active Ash Disposal Area Perimeter Dike?

Widows Creek Fossil Plant - Active Ash Disposal Area Perimeter Dike is classified as Significant Hazard. No probable loss of human life, but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, or disruption of lifeline facilities. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.

Who owns and operates Widows Creek Fossil Plant - Active Ash Disposal Area Perimeter Dike?

Widows Creek Fossil Plant - Active Ash Disposal Area Perimeter Dike is owned by TVA (Federal Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Widows Creek Fossil Plant - Active Ash Disposal Area Perimeter Dike built?

Widows Creek Fossil Plant - Active Ash Disposal Area Perimeter Dike was completed in 1959, making it 67 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 Widows Creek Fossil Plant - Active Ash Disposal Area Perimeter Dike?

Widows Creek Fossil Plant - Active Ash Disposal Area Perimeter Dike serves the following purposes: Other. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is Widows Creek Fossil Plant - Active Ash Disposal Area Perimeter Dike?

Widows Creek Fossil Plant - Active Ash Disposal Area Perimeter Dike has a dam height of 46 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 Widows Creek Fossil Plant - Active Ash Disposal Area Perimeter Dike last inspected?

Widows Creek Fossil Plant - Active Ash Disposal Area Perimeter Dike was last inspected on March 11, 2021. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.

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.