Holt Lock and Dam facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Holt Lock and Dam |
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Holt Lock and Dam from the air to the southwest
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| Official name | Holt Lock and Dam |
| Location | Tuscaloosa County, Alabama, USA |
| Coordinates | 33°15′14.5″N 87°26′57.9″W / 33.254028°N 87.449417°W |
| Opening date | 1966 |
| Operator(s) | U.S. Bureau of Reclamation |
| Dam and spillways | |
| Impounds | Black Warrior River |
| Reservoir | |
| Creates | Holt Lake |
The Holt Lock and Dam is an important structure on the Black Warrior River in Alabama. It is located near the town of Holt in Tuscaloosa County. This lock and dam was opened in 1966. It helps boats travel safely along the river. It also creates a large lake called Holt Lake. This lake stretches about 19 miles (31 km) upstream.
Contents
What is a Lock and Dam?
A lock and dam system helps control a river. A dam is a big wall built across a river. It holds back water to create a lake. This lake is often called a reservoir. The dam at Holt helps keep the river deep enough for boats.
A lock is like a water elevator for boats. It lets boats move between different water levels. Rivers can have parts that are higher or lower. Locks make it possible for boats to go up or down these changes.
Why Was Holt Lock and Dam Built?
The Holt Lock and Dam replaced older structures. In the early 1900s, there were many smaller locks and dams. They helped with river navigation. The Holt system is bigger and more modern. It makes river travel easier and more efficient.
How the Lock Works
The lock at Holt is on the southern side of the river. It has a large chamber inside. This chamber is 110 feet (34 m) wide and 600 feet (180 m) long. Imagine a giant bathtub for boats!
When a boat wants to pass, it enters the chamber. Large gates close behind it. Water is then either added to or removed from the chamber. This changes the water level inside. The boat goes up or down with the water. Once the water level matches the next section of the river, the front gates open. The boat can then continue its journey. The Holt Lock can lift boats as much as 64 feet (20 m).
Managing the Lake Level
The dam also has a special part called a spillway. This is where extra water can flow over or through the dam. The spillway at Holt has 14 gates. These are called tainter gates. Each gate can be opened or closed separately. This allows operators to control the water level of Holt Lake. They can release water when the lake gets too full. This helps prevent floods and keeps the river safe.
Generating Electricity
On the northern side of the dam, there are special machines. These are called hydroelectric turbines. They use the power of flowing water to make electricity. Water from Holt Lake flows through these turbines. This spinning motion creates clean energy.
The United States Army Corps of Engineers owns the dam itself. They are in charge of keeping it safe and working. However, the hydroelectric plant is operated by the Alabama Power Company. They use the water power to generate electricity for homes and businesses.
