R. L. Harris East Saddle Dike Dam (Tallapoosa River)

Field Descriptions

Dam Name: R. L. Harris East Saddle Dike
NID ID: AL83001
Longitude: -85.61667
Latitude: 33.25834
County: RANDOLPH
River: TALLAPOOSA RIVER
State: AL
Nearest City: WADLEY
Distance: 13.00 miles
Owner Name: ALABAMA POWER COMPANY
Owner Type: Public Utility
Private Dam? No
Dam Type: Earth
Purposes: Hydroelectric
Year Completed: 1983
Dam Length: 800 feet
Dam Height: 40 feet
Structural Height: 40 feet
Hydraulic Height: 40 feet
Maximum Storage: 426000 acre-feet
Normal Storage: 426000 acre-feet
Surface Area: 10661 acres
Hazard Potential: High
Emergency Action Plan? Yes
Inspection Date: 2012-10-03
Inspection Frequency: 1
State Regulated Dam? No
Spillway Type: Controlled
Spillway Width: 0 feet
Federal Regulatory Agency:
Federal Inspection Agency:
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:






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