Lake Tuscaloosa Dam (Lake Tuscaloosa)

Field Descriptions

Dam Name: Lake Tuscaloosa Dam
Other Name: NORTH RIVER WATER SUPPLY DAM
NID ID: AL01137
Longitude: -87.50667
Latitude: 33.265
County: TUSCALOOSA
River: NORTH RIVER
State: AL
Nearest City: HOLT
Distance: 2 miles
Owner Name: TUSCALOOSA CITY OF
Owner Type: Local Government
Private Dam? No
Dam Type: Earth
Purposes: Recreation
Year Completed: 1971
Dam Length: 1280 feet
Structural Height: 125 feet
Hydraulic Height: 117 feet
Maximum Discharge: 50000 cu ft/sec
Maximum Storage: 180000 acre-feet
Normal Storage: 130000 acre-feet
Hazard Potential: High
Emergency Action Plan? No
Inspection Frequency: 0
State Regulated Dam? No
Spillway Width: 0 feet
Federal Funding Agency: NORTH RIVER WATER SUPPLY DAM
Source Agency:

Dam Safety For Boats

A large amount of water can be released from a dam without any warning at any time and by any means. For example, when the demand for electricity is high, the turbines at a dam may be turned on automatically, resulting in a significant increase in the downstream flow of water in only a matter of seconds.

If there's a need to release water through the sluiceways (outlets at the base of the dam), this operation can also create a great swell of discharged water downstream.

During flood operations, any or all spillway gates across the width of a dam can be opened to release upstream flood water that needs to pass to the next downstream reservoir. Upstream or downstream, even the most experienced boater with the strongest motor is no match for this strong flow of water plunging over a spillway of a dam. Even if you're boating far downstream of a spilling dam, recirculating current can pull a powerful boat upstream toward plunging water that could shred any boat.

Some dams equipped with navigation locks create turbulent water as well. When vessels pass through, strong flow is released near the exhaust ports of the wing wall of the lock.

Warning Systems At Dams

To warn reservoir users of potential danger, warning devices are installed at many dams:




Quick Links
Lake Tuscaloosa News
Lake Tuscaloosa Photos
Lake Tuscaloosa Videos




About Us
Contact Us
Site Map
Search Site
Advertise With Us
   
www.LakeTuscaloosa.info
THE LAKE TUSCALOOSA WEBSITE

Copyright 2024, Lakes Online
Privacy    |    Legal