Spillway gates opening at Coosa and Tallapoosa River dams;

Lay Reservoir drawdown postponed

Because of heavy rains and forecasts of continuing rainfall, Alabama Power on Monday opened spillway gates at its Coosa River dams to manage rising lake levels.  The company plans to open spillway gates at Harris Dam on the Tallapoosa River. 

Spillway gates were opened at Weiss, Henry, Lay and Mitchell dams on the Coosa River this morning. Spillway gates will be opened at Logan Martin and Jordan dams this afternoon. On the Tallapoosa River, minimal spillway gate operation will also take place this afternoon at Harris Dam.  Alabama Power is working to maintain lake elevations at or below summer pool. However, the use of its flood easements above summer pool to manage high flows is possible. People on or near these reservoirs should take necessary precaution and action to protect their interests.

In addition, the biennial drawdown scheduled to begin this week on Lay Reservoir will be postponed until conditions allow rescheduling. 

Alabama Power will continue to closely monitor lake conditions and manage resources carefully. People with boats and other water equipment or facilities should always be alert to changing conditions on Alabama Power reservoirs and be prepared to take the necessary steps to protect their property.

For more information about Alabama Power lakes and updates, please visit https://lakes.alabamapower.com or call 1-800-LAKES11 (1-800-525-3711).