A. I. Selden Dam facts for kids
Quick facts for kids A. I. Selden Dam |
|
|---|---|
| Country | United States |
| Location | Hale County, Alabama |
| Coordinates | 32°46′45″N 87°50′27″W / 32.77917°N 87.84083°W |
| Opening date | 1958 |
| Dam and spillways | |
| Type of dam | Concrete gravity dam |
| Impounds | Black Warrior River |
| Height | 71 ft (22 m) |
| Length | 684 ft (208 m) |
| Reservoir | |
| Creates | Warrior Lake |
The A. I. Selden Dam is a large structure built across the Black Warrior River in Hale County, Alabama. It helps control the river and makes it easier for boats to travel. This dam was finished in 1958 and is an important part of the area's waterways.
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A. I. Selden Dam: A Big Helper on the River
The A. I. Selden Dam is a special type of dam called a concrete gravity dam. This means it's built from heavy concrete and uses its own weight to hold back the water. It was built by the United States Army Corps of Engineers, who are experts at managing rivers and building structures like dams.
The dam is quite big! It stands about 71 feet (22 m) tall, which is like a seven-story building. It stretches 684 feet (208 m) across the river, which is longer than two football fields.
Why Was the Dam Built?
The main reasons for building the A. I. Selden Dam were for navigation and flood control.
- Navigation: The dam helps keep the river deep enough for boats and barges to travel safely. This is important for moving goods and people.
- Flood Control: By holding back water, the dam helps prevent the river from overflowing its banks during heavy rains. This protects homes and farms from floods.
The dam is named after Armistead I. Selden, Jr., who was a U.S. Representative from Alabama. A U.S. Representative is a person elected to speak for their area in the national government. The dam is still owned and operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers today.
What is Warrior Lake?
When the A. I. Selden Dam holds back the Black Warrior River, it creates a large body of water called Warrior Lake. This lake is also known as a reservoir.
Warrior Lake is a big lake, covering about 12.2 square miles of water. It stretches for a long distance, about 77 miles! This huge lake can hold a lot of water, up to 58,650 acre-feet.
Fun Things to Do at Warrior Lake
Warrior Lake is not just for river control; it's also a great place for outdoor fun! People can enjoy many activities here, including:
- Camping
- Boating
- Fishing
- Hunting
- Hiking
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers helps maintain seven day-use parks around the lake. These parks offer places for families and friends to spend time outdoors. You can even drive across the river right over the dam, as Alabama's Hale County Road 38 crosses it.
