Birmingham Saw Works Lake Dam (Hillhouse Lake)

Field Descriptions

Dam Name: Birmingham Saw Works Lake Dam
Other Name: HILLHOUSE LAKE DAM
NID ID: AL01350
Longitude: -86.48833
Latitude: 33.52833
County: SHELBY
River: TR.SHOAL CREEK
State: AL
Nearest City: LAWLEY
Distance: 3 miles
Owner Name: THOMPSON PROPERTIES
Owner Type: Private
Private Dam? No
Dam Type: Gravity
Purposes: Recreation
Year Completed: 1958
Dam Length: 100 feet
Structural Height: 15 feet
Hydraulic Height: 14 feet
Maximum Discharge: 8 cu ft/sec
Maximum Storage: 67 acre-feet
Normal Storage: 67 acre-feet
Hazard Potential: Low
Emergency Action Plan? No
Inspection Frequency: 0
State Regulated Dam? No
Spillway Width: 0 feet
Federal Funding Agency: HILLHOUSE LAKE 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
Hillhouse Lake News
Hillhouse Lake Photos
Hillhouse Lake Videos




About Us
Contact Us
Site Map
Search Site
Advertise With Us
   
Hillhouse.LakesOnline.com
THE HILLHOUSE LAKE WEBSITE

Copyright 2024, Lakes Online
Privacy    |    Legal