Understand the damage.
Choose the next step.

What should you record first?

Take dated photos from stable ground. Include a wide view of the shoreline, each end of the wall and the specific change you noticed. Record cracks, a lean, missing rock, open joints, settled paving or soil washing out after rain.

Keep people and equipment away from unstable ground or an unsupported edge. Do not dig behind the wall, enter a void or walk onto loose rock to obtain a better photo. If utilities or occupied structures appear affected, arrange prompt professional attention.

Smith Lake residential shoreline guidelines · July 2025

What does a useful assessment cover?

• The visible wall or rock, cap, joints and both ends of the protected bank.
• Drainage outlets, slopes and routes by which soil may be escaping.
• Dock or lift connections and loads close to the edge.
• The foundation or toe and any concealed components needing further investigation.
• The difference between cosmetic wear, a local defect and wider movement.
• Options, limits of the inspection and the evidence needed for design.

Ask whether the person is providing a visual contractor assessment or a professional engineering opinion. These are different services. Verify the appropriate Alabama license where the scope requires one.

Alabama Licensing Board for General Contractors · Al Contractors · Alabama Board of Licensure for Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors · Al Engineers

Which Smith Lake records help?

Bring the Alabama Power permit, approved sketch, old surveys and repair invoices. Ask whether the proposed repair changes the footprint, material, length or height. If the site is in a sensitive area, the approved method may differ from the wall already present.

A lake-level reading is useful context for photos. It is not a cap elevation or a substitute for a survey. See the lake elevation guide if the proposal includes raising or rebuilding.

Smith Lake residential shoreline guidelines · July 2025 · NOAA · Survey datum questions

What should you receive?

Ask for a written record naming the inspected components, observations, unresolved questions and next steps. Useful photos identify their location. A sound report distinguishes observed damage from a proposed explanation.

Use that record to obtain a comparable written project budget. An inspection does not itself establish permit eligibility, guarantee remaining life or authorize work.

Smith Lake residential shoreline guidelines · July 2025