Weiss - Saddle Dike A dam
Weiss - Saddle Dike A
Located in Cherokee, Alabama, the Weiss - Saddle Dike A dam is a vital structure managed by a Public Utility. Built in 1961 by Southern Company Services, this earth dam serves primarily for hydroelectric purposes and also offers opportunities for recreation. With a height of 10 feet and a length of 3692 feet, the dam holds a storage capacity of 306,400 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 30,200 acres, drawing water from the Coosa River.
Managed by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, the Weiss - Saddle Dike A dam poses a high hazard potential due to its condition assessment being unavailable. Despite this, the dam has not been modified over the years, maintaining its original structure. The emergency action plan for the dam was last revised in December 2020, indicating a commitment to ensuring the safety and security of the surrounding area in case of any unforeseen events.
With its strategic location and critical role in water resource management and energy production, the Weiss - Saddle Dike A dam stands as a testament to human ingenuity in harnessing natural resources for societal benefit. Enthusiasts interested in climate, water resources, and infrastructure will find this dam's history and current status intriguing, highlighting the intersection of technology, environment, and public safety.
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 Weiss - Saddle Dike A -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Terrapin Creek At Ellisville Al | 97 cfs | → |
| Little River Near Blue Pond Al | 17 cfs | → |
| Chattooga River Above Gaylesville Al | 184 cfs | → |
| Big Wills Creek At State Hwy 35 Nr Fort Payne | 9 cfs | → |
| Big Wills Creek Near Reece City | 61 cfs | → |
| Cedar Creek Near Cedartown | 90 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Weiss - Saddle Dike A .
Boat launches
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Campgrounds
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Fishing spots
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River runs
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More reservoirs
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About Weiss - Saddle Dike A
Where does the data for Weiss - Saddle Dike A 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 below 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.
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.