Martin Dam (Lake Martin)

Field Descriptions

Dam Name: Martin
Other Name: LAKE MARTIN (RES)
NID ID: AL01425
Longitude: -85.91167
Latitude: 32.68
Map Section: S36 T20N R21E
County: ELMORE, TALLAPOOSA
River: TALLAPOOSA RIVER
State: AL
Nearest City: TALLASSEE
Distance: 11.00 miles
Owner Name: ALABAMA POWER COMPANY
Owner Type: Public Utility
Dam Designer: DIXIE CONSTRUCTION
Private Dam? No
Core: Homogeneous Dam (Position)
Concrete (Type)
Known (Certainty)
Foundation: RK
Purposes: Hydroelectric
Year Completed: 1926
Year Modified/Mod Type: 1995S
Dam Length: 2000 feet
Dam Height: 168 feet
Structural Height: 168 feet
Hydraulic Height: 163 feet
Maximum Discharge: 302000 cu ft/sec
Maximum Storage: 1622000 acre-feet
Normal Storage: 1622000 acre-feet
Surface Area: 40000 acres
Drainage Area: 3000 square miles
Hazard Potential: High
Emergency Action Plan? Yes
Inspection Date: 2012-10-04
Inspection Frequency: 1
State Regulated Dam? No
Spillway Type: Controlled
Spillway Width: 720 feet
Outlet Gates: S20;
Volume of Dam: 431000 cubic yards
Federal Funding Agency: LAKE MARTIN (RES)
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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