Upper Bear Creek Dam, Alabama, USA

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Quick Facts About Upper Bear Creek Dam

Location: Marion, Alabama
Coordinates: 34.272961, -87.693498
River: Bear Creek River
Primary Purpose: Flood Risk Reduction
Type: Earth
Commissioned: 1978
Dam Height: 85 ft (26 m)
Dam Length: 1,515 ft (462 m)
Dam Capacity: 40,100 acre-ft (49,463 Ml)
Condition Assessment: Not Available

Upper Bear Creek Dam Map

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Upper Bear Creek Dam Information

Upper Bear Creek Dam is an earthen embankment dam located about 1 miles from Bear Creek, Marion, Alabama.

The dam, which is on the Bear Creek River, was primarily built for Flood Risk Reduction purposes, but also serves for Recreation and Water Supply benefits.

The dam was designed by TVA and commissioned in 1978 and is currently owned by TVA.

Upper Bear Creek Dam Structure

The Upper Bear Creek Dam is approximately 1,515 feet (462 m) long, 85 feet (26 m) high and has a structural volume of 403,040 cubic yards (308,146 cubic metres).

Upper Bear Creek Dam Storage Capacity & Surface Area

The reservoir has a normal storage capacity of 37,400 acre-ft (46,132 Ml) and maximum capacity of 40,100 acre-ft (49,463 Ml).

The surface area of the reservoir is 1,470 acres (595 ha) and the total catchment area is 113 square miles (293 square kilometres).

Upper Bear Creek Dam Spillway

The dam has a 450 feet (137 m) wide uncontrolled spillway with a maximum discharge capacity of 137120 cubic feet per second (3883 cubic metres per second).

Upper Bear Creek Dam Compared to Four Famous American Dams

Upper Bear Creek Dam
Marion, Alabama
Hoover Dam
Clark County, Nevada
Grand Coulee Dam
Okanogan County, Washington
Theodore Roosevelt Dam
Maricopa County, Arizona
Glen Canyon Dam
Coconino County, Arizona
Height (ft) 85 730 550 357 216
Length (Ft) 1,515 1,244 5,673 6,920 1,565
Storage Volume (acre-ft) 40,100 30,237,000 9,562,000 3,540,000 29,875,000
Drainage Area (sq miles) 113 167,800 74,100 3,611 108,355

Upper Bear Creek Dam Weather

Current Conditions at Upper Bear Creek Dam

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7-Day Forecast for Upper Bear Creek Dam

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Upper Bear Creek Dam Frequently Asked Questions

In which state is the Upper Bear Creek Dam?

Upper Bear Creek Dam is in Alabama.

In which county is the Upper Bear Creek Dam?

Upper Bear Creek Dam is in Marion County.

How high is the Upper Bear Creek Dam?

Upper Bear Creek Dam is 85 feet high.

How long is the Upper Bear Creek Dam?

Upper Bear Creek Dam is 1,515 feet long.

Condition Assessment Classification

Satisfactory

No existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. Acceptable performance is expected under all loading conditions (static, hydrologic, seismic) in accordance with the minimum applicable state or federal regulatory criteria or tolerable risk guidelines.

Fair

No existing dam safety deficiencies are recognized for normal operating conditions. Rare or extreme hydrologic and/or seismic events may result in a dam safety deficiency. Risk may be in the range to take further action. Note: Rare or extreme event is defined by the regulatory agency based on their minimum

Poor

A dam safety deficiency is recognized for normal operating conditions which may realistically occur. Remedial action is necessary. POOR may also be used when uncertainties exist as to critical analysis parameters which identify a potential dam safety deficiency. Investigations and studies are necessary.

Unsatisfactory

A dam safety deficiency is recognized that requires immediate or emergency remedial action for problem resolution.

Not Rated

The dam has not been inspected, is not under state or federal jurisdiction, or has been inspected but, for whatever reason, has not been rated.

Not Available

Dams for which the condition assessment is restricted to approved government users.

Hazard Potential Classification

High

Dams assigned the high hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation will probably cause loss of human life.

Significant

Dams assigned the significant hazard potential classification are those dams where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life but can cause economic loss, environment damage, disruption of lifeline facilities, or impact other concerns. Significant hazard potential classification dams are often located in predominantly rural or agricultural areas but could be in areas with population and significant infrastructure.

Low

Dams assigned the low hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life and low economic and/or environmental losses. Losses are principally limited to the owner’s property.

Undetermined

Dams for which a downstream hazard potential has not been designated or is not provided.

Not Available

Dams for which the downstream hazard potential is restricted to approved government users.

Source: National Inventory of Dams

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