Weiss - Spillway Diversion Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Nelson #2 Lyle Nelson #7
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
The Weiss - Spillway Diversion Dam, located in Centre, Alabama, is a significant hydroelectric structure designed by Southern Company Services and completed in 1961.
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Summary
This earth dam with a height of 90 feet serves the primary purpose of hydroelectric power generation and recreation. With a storage capacity of 306,400 acre-feet and a maximum discharge of 348,000 cubic feet per second, this dam plays a crucial role in managing water resources in the Coosa River watershed.
Owned by a public utility and regulated by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, the Weiss Dam is a controlled spillway type structure with a spillway width of 216 feet. The dam's high hazard potential and very high risk assessment indicate the importance of robust risk management measures. With its association with five other structures and its location in the Cherokee County of Alabama, the Weiss Dam stands as a vital infrastructure for water resource management and climate resilience efforts in the region.
As water resource and climate enthusiasts, it is essential to recognize the significance of structures like the Weiss - Spillway Diversion Dam in ensuring sustainable water management practices. With its role in hydroelectric power generation, recreation, and flood control, this dam showcases the intersection of human infrastructure and environmental stewardship. Understanding the dam's design, operation, and risk assessment can provide valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities in balancing water resource utilization with ecological conservation in a changing climate scenario.
Year Completed |
1961 |
Dam Length |
7869 |
Dam Height |
90 |
River Or Stream |
Coosa |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
30200 |
Hydraulic Height |
19 |
Drainage Area |
5273 |
Nid Storage |
306400 |
Structural Height |
90 |
Outlet Gates |
Tainter (radial) - 6 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
90 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. Acceptable performance is expected under all loading conditions (static, hydrologic, seismic) in accordance with the minimum applicable state or federal regulatory criteria or tolerable risk guidelines.
Fair
No existing dam safety deficiencies are recognized for normal operating conditions. Rare or extreme hydrologic and/or seismic events may result in a dam safety deficiency. Risk may be in the range to take further action. Note: Rare or extreme event is defined by the regulatory agency based on their minimum
Poor A dam safety deficiency is recognized for normal operating conditions which may realistically occur. Remedial action is necessary. POOR may also be used when uncertainties exist as to critical analysis parameters which identify a potential dam safety deficiency. Investigations and studies are necessary.
Unsatisfactory
A dam safety deficiency is recognized that requires immediate or emergency remedial action for problem resolution.
Not Rated
The dam has not been inspected, is not under state or federal jurisdiction, or has been inspected but, for whatever reason, has not been rated.
Not Available
Dams for which the condition assessment is restricted to approved government users.
Hazard Potential Classification
HighDams assigned the high hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation will probably cause loss of human life.
Significant
Dams assigned the significant hazard potential classification are those dams where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life but can cause economic loss, environment damage, disruption of lifeline facilities, or impact other concerns. Significant hazard potential classification dams are often located in predominantly rural or agricultural areas but could be in areas with population and significant infrastructure.
Low
Dams assigned the low hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life and low economic and/or environmental losses. Losses are principally limited to the owner's property.
Undetermined
Dams for which a downstream hazard potential has not been designated or is not provided.
Not Available
Dams for which the downstream hazard potential is restricted to approved government users.
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