Wheeler Dam dam
Wheeler Dam
Wheeler Dam, also known as Wheeler Lake, is a Federal-owned structure located on the Tennessee River in Florence, Alabama. Completed in 1936, this concrete gravity dam stands at a height of 175 feet and has a maximum storage capacity of 228,045 acre-feet. The primary purpose of Wheeler Dam is hydroelectric power generation, with additional functions including navigation and recreation.
Managed by the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) and designed by both TVA and the Bureau of Reclamation, Wheeler Dam plays a crucial role in regulating water flow, providing flood control, and supporting various recreational activities in the area. With a spillway width of 176 feet and two locks each measuring 600 feet in length, the dam ensures controlled water release and navigation along the Tennessee River. However, due to its high hazard potential and very high risk assessment, proper risk management measures are essential to maintain the safety and integrity of the structure.
Despite not being regulated by the state, Wheeler Dam remains a significant landmark in Lauderdale County, Alabama, drawing the attention of water resource and climate enthusiasts alike. Its historical significance, engineering marvel, and contribution to the region's energy and water management make Wheeler Dam a fascinating site to explore for those interested in the intersection of water resources and climate dynamics.
Dam data reference
Condition Assessment
- Satisfactory
- No 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Hazard Potential Classification
- High
- Dams 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, environmental 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.
Plan around the weather
Same NOAA / yr.no feed Snoflo's iOS app uses. Watch the precipitation column on the meteogram -- rain on the basin upstream typically lifts inflow 24-72 hours later.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind. Each cell is colour-coded relative to the column min/max.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
Nearby streamflow gauges
USGS streamgauges around Wheeler Dam -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Big Nance Creek At Courtland Al | 281 cfs | → |
| Cypress Creek Near Florence Al | 620 cfs | → |
| Shoal Creek At Iron City | 673 cfs | → |
| Elk River At Prospect | 5,060 cfs | → |
| Limestone Creek Near Athens Al | 472 cfs | → |
| Sipsey Fork Near Grayson Al | 227 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Wheeler Dam.
Boat launches
- Lauderdale County 575 Lauderdale County
- Second Creek Boat Ramp
- Lakewood View Road 44-186, Muscle Shoals
- Mclean Drive Lauderdale County
- Elk River Drive, Rogersville
- Alloys Park Lane Colbert County
Fishing spots
Paddle runs
Track Wheeler Dam in the Snoflo app
Save this dam as a favorite and get the local NOAA / yr.no forecast plus regional flow context wherever you are.
About Wheeler Dam
Where does the data for Wheeler Dam come from?
Structural and regulatory data come from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' National Inventory of Dams (NID). Weather forecast comes from NOAA / yr.no -- the same feed Snoflo's iOS app uses.
How often is the report updated?
NID structural data refreshes annually as the Corps publishes updated assessments. The weather forecast refreshes throughout the day.
What does the High hazard rating mean?
The Corps of Engineers' hazard potential classification grades probable consequences if the dam fails: High = probable loss of human life; Significant = no probable loss of human life but possible economic loss / environmental damage; Low = no probable loss of human life, only minor economic / environmental losses. See the Dam Data Reference card above for the full definitions.
What's "% of normal"?
The current storage value compared to the historical average storage on this calendar day. 100% = right on average; values above 100% mean above-normal storage (wet year); values below mean below-normal (dry year or drought).
Can I get alerts when storage crosses a threshold?
Yes -- alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this dam, set a threshold, and you'll get a push the moment conditions cross.
Other water bodies near here
Snoflo-tracked reservoirs and dams within driving distance of Wheeler Dam.