Map of All 2,263 Alabama Dams
Alabama has 2,263 dams in the National Inventory of Dams — and 227 are classified as high hazard (10% of the state’s total), meaning failure would likely cause loss of life. 2 Alabama dams are both high-hazard and in poor or unsatisfactory condition.
Use the interactive Alabama dams map below to explore every dam in the state, color-coded by hazard level. Click any dam for its condition assessment, last inspection date, and Emergency Action Plan status. Or view the full US Dams interactive map to compare Alabama to every other state.
Hazard
Condition
Purpose
Alabama Dams by the Numbers
- 2,263 total dams in Alabama
- 227 high hazard — failure would likely cause loss of life
- 443 significant hazard
- 1,592 low hazard
- 6 in poor or unsatisfactory condition (4 poor, 2 unsatisfactory)
- 2 Alabama dams are both high-hazard AND in poor/unsatisfactory condition
Data source: US Army Corps of Engineers, National Inventory of Dams (NID).
The Tallest Dams in Alabama
The tallest dam in Alabama is Lewis Smith at 300 feet, completed in 1961. The 10 tallest Alabama dams from the National Inventory of Dams:
| Dam | Height | Year | Primary Purpose | Condition | County |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lewis Smith | 300 ft | 1961 | Hydroelectric | Satisfactory | Walker |
| Wheeler Dam | 175 ft | 1936 | Hydroelectric | Not Available | Lauderdale |
| Walter Bouldin | 174 ft | 1967 | Hydroelectric | Satisfactory | Elmore |
| Walter F. George Lock and Dam | 171 ft | 1962 | Hydroelectric | Not Available | Henry |
| Martin | 168 ft | 1926 | Hydroelectric | Fair | Tallapoosa |
| R. L. Harris | 163 ft | 1983 | Hydroelectric | Satisfactory | Randolph |
| Miller Steam Plant Ash Pond | 158 ft | 1977 | Other | Not Rated | Jefferson |
| Rattlesnake Dam | 145 ft | 1979 | Other | Not Rated | Walker |
| Logan Martin | 142 ft | 1964 | Hydroelectric | Poor | St. Clair |
| Wilson Dam | 137 ft | 1924 | Flood Risk Reduction | Not Available | Lauderdale |
High-Hazard Alabama Dams in Poor Condition
The most concerning dams are those classified as high-hazard that also carry a Poor or Unsatisfactory condition rating — 2 dams in Alabama. Notable examples:
- Logan Martin (142 ft, St. Clair County) — Hydroelectric, Poor condition
- Cone Reservoir (53 ft, Calhoun County) — Recreation, Unsatisfactory condition
Filter the interactive US Dams map by hazard and condition to see all of them on one view.
Dam Safety in Alabama
Dam safety in Alabama is overseen by the state dam safety program, in coordination with federal regulators: the US Army Corps of Engineers, the Bureau of Reclamation (for federal water projects), the Tennessee Valley Authority where applicable, and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) for licensed hydropower dams. Emergency Action Plans are typically required for high-hazard dams under state regulations.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many dams are in Alabama?
Alabama has 2,263 dams in the National Inventory of Dams tracked by the US Army Corps of Engineers: 227 high hazard, 443 significant hazard, and 1,592 low hazard.
What is the tallest dam in Alabama?
The tallest dam in Alabama is Lewis Smith at 300 feet, completed in 1961. It is primarily a hydroelectric structure.
How many Alabama dams are in poor condition?
6 Alabama dams are currently rated as being in Poor or Unsatisfactory condition. Of those, 2 are also classified as high-hazard — meaning failure would likely cause loss of life.
