Howard Dam (Lake Howard)

Field Descriptions

Dam Name: Howard
NID ID: AL01084
Longitude: -86.195
Latitude: 33.20667
County: TALLADEGA
River: TALLASEEHATCHEE CREEK
State: AL
Nearest City: SYCAMORE
Distance: 3 miles
Owner Name: CITY OF SYLACAUGA
Owner Type: Local Government
Private Dam? No
Dam Type: Earth
Purposes: Recreation
Year Completed: 1956
Dam Length: 836 feet
Structural Height: 75 feet
Hydraulic Height: 75 feet
Maximum Discharge: 123232 cu ft/sec
Maximum Storage: 7983 acre-feet
Normal Storage: 4733 acre-feet
Hazard Potential: High
Emergency Action Plan? No
Inspection Frequency: 0
State Regulated Dam? No
Spillway Width: 0 feet
Source Agency:

Dam Safety For Boats

A large amount of water can be released from a dam without any warning at any time and by any means. For example, when the demand for electricity is high, the turbines at a dam may be turned on automatically, resulting in a significant increase in the downstream flow of water in only a matter of seconds.

If there's a need to release water through the sluiceways (outlets at the base of the dam), this operation can also create a great swell of discharged water downstream.

During flood operations, any or all spillway gates across the width of a dam can be opened to release upstream flood water that needs to pass to the next downstream reservoir. Upstream or downstream, even the most experienced boater with the strongest motor is no match for this strong flow of water plunging over a spillway of a dam. Even if you're boating far downstream of a spilling dam, recirculating current can pull a powerful boat upstream toward plunging water that could shred any boat.

Some dams equipped with navigation locks create turbulent water as well. When vessels pass through, strong flow is released near the exhaust ports of the wing wall of the lock.

Warning Systems At Dams

To warn reservoir users of potential danger, warning devices are installed at many dams:




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