Walter Bouldin Saddle Dike dam
Walter Bouldin Saddle Dike
Walter Bouldin Saddle Dike is a vital hydroelectric structure located in Elmore, Alabama, along the Coosa River. Completed in 1967, this dike serves as a key component in water resource management, with a storage capacity of 48,000 acre-feet and a surface area of 920 acres. The dam stands at a height of 10 feet and stretches for 1000 feet, contributing to the overall efficiency and effectiveness of the hydroelectric operations in the region.
Managed by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, Walter Bouldin Saddle Dike has a high hazard potential, emphasizing the importance of regular inspections and risk assessments. Despite its critical role in water management and energy production, the condition assessment of the structure is currently unavailable. However, emergency action plans have been updated as recently as December 2020, indicating a commitment to ensuring the safety and security of the surrounding communities in the event of any unforeseen incidents.
As a significant part of the water infrastructure in Alabama, Walter Bouldin Saddle Dike plays a crucial role in supporting the region's hydroelectric operations and mitigating flood risks along the Coosa River. With its strategic location and robust design, this dike stands as a testament to the ongoing efforts to manage water resources effectively while prioritizing the safety and well-being of local residents.
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 Walter Bouldin Saddle Dike -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Tallapoosa River Near Mont.-Mont. Water Works | 812 cfs | → |
| Alabama River Near Montgomery | 7,540 cfs | → |
| Catoma Creek Near Montgomery Al | 7 cfs | → |
| Hatchet Creek Below Rockford Al | 136 cfs | → |
| Uphapee Creek Near Tuskegee Al | 62 cfs | → |
| Mulberry Creek At Jones Al | 110 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Walter Bouldin Saddle Dike.
Boat launches
- Boat Ramp Road, Wetumpka
- Lake Jordan Boat Ramp
- River Road Montgomery
- County Road 28 11455, Chilton County
- Our Children's Highway 15529-15531, Alexander City
- Johnson Creek Road Coosa County
Campgrounds
- Fort Toulouse/Jackson Park
- Maxwell/Gunter Afb Military
- Gunter Hill
- Wind Creek State Park
- Lake Martin Recreation Area
- Lake Martin Military
Fishing spots
Track Walter Bouldin Saddle Dike 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 Walter Bouldin Saddle Dike
Where does the data for Walter Bouldin Saddle Dike 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 Walter Bouldin Saddle Dike.