Wilson Dam, located on the Tennessee River in Lauderdale, Alabama, is a captivating engineering marvel designed by TVA and USACE.
Wind
Humidity
Completed in 1924, this concrete gravity dam stands at a height of 113 feet, with a hydraulic height of 103 feet and a structural height of 137 feet. Its primary purpose is flood risk reduction, but it also serves as a hydroelectric power source, aids in navigation, provides recreation opportunities, and supplies water. The dam has a storage capacity of 674,220 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 15,600 acres, making it a key water resource in the region.
Wilson Dam boasts a controlled spillway with a width of 1,862 feet and two vertical lift outlet gates. It also features two locks with a length of 600 feet and a width of 110 feet for navigation purposes. Over the years, the dam has undergone several modifications for structural and mechanical improvements, with the most recent in 2017. With a very high risk assessment rating, Wilson Dam is considered a significant asset for flood control and water management in the area, although its hazard potential is deemed high due to its age and condition assessment not being available. Despite these challenges, Wilson Dam remains a vital component of the Tennessee River system, showcasing the importance of sustainable water resource management in the face of climate change.
Years Modified |
1942 - Structural, 1956 - Structural, 1962 - Mechanical, 1964 - Mechanical, 1968 - Mechanical, 2017 - Structural |
Year Completed |
1924 |
Dam Length |
4541 |
Dam Height |
113 |
River Or Stream |
TENNESSEE RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Concrete |
Surface Area |
15600 |
Length Of Locks |
600 |
Hydraulic Height |
103 |
Drainage Area |
30750 |
Nid Storage |
674220 |
Structural Height |
137 |
Outlet Gates |
Vertical Lift |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Rock |
Nid Height |
137 |
Cypress Creek Near Florence Al
|
158cfs |
Shoal Creek At Iron City
|
431cfs |
Big Nance Creek At Courtland Al
|
68cfs |
Bear Creek At Bishop
|
4330cfs |
Bear Creek Near Red Bay
|
329cfs |
Sipsey Fork Near Grayson Al
|
44cfs |