R.E. "Bob" Woodruff Lake facts for kids
Quick facts for kids R.E. "Bob" Woodruff Lake |
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![]() Aerial view of the Robert F. Henry Lock and Dam and R.E. "Bob" Woodruff Reservoir
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Location | Autauga, Lowndes, Montgomery, and Elmore counties, Alabama |
Coordinates | 32°19′35″N 86°46′57″W / 32.32639°N 86.78250°W |
Type | Reservoir |
Primary inflows | Coosa River |
Primary outflows | Alabama River |
Basin countries | United States |
R.E. "Bob" Woodruff Lake is a large lake located on the Alabama River in the middle of Alabama. It stretches for about 80 miles (129 kilometers) along the river. This makes it a really long lake! The lake covers an area of about 20 square miles (52 square kilometers).
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How R.E. "Bob" Woodruff Lake Was Made
The R.E. "Bob" Woodruff Lake was created by building a big structure called the Robert F. Henry Lock and Dam. This dam was finished in 1975. When the dam was built, it held back the water of the Alabama River. This created the large lake we see today.
Power from the Dam
The Robert F. Henry Lock and Dam is not just for creating a lake. It also has a power plant! This plant uses the force of the water to make electricity. It produces enough power to supply about 45,000 homes. That's a lot of electricity!
Water Depth and Flow
The dam helps keep the lake's water at a good depth. The river behind the dam is at least nine feet deep. This depth goes all the way from the William "Bill" Dannelly Reservoir up to the Alabama Power Company's Walter Bouldin Dam on the Coosa River.
Fun Things to Do at the Lake
The water level in R.E. "Bob" Woodruff Lake does not change much. This makes it a perfect place for many outdoor activities. You can enjoy the lake all year round!
Popular Activities
- Fishing: The lake is a great spot to catch different kinds of fish.
- Boating: You can bring your boat and explore the long stretches of water.
- Water Skiing: The calm waters are ideal for water skiing and other water sports.
- Picnicking: There are many nice spots along the shore for a family picnic.
- Camping: You can set up a tent and spend the night under the stars.
- Swimming: On warm days, the lake is a refreshing place to swim.
- Hiking: Trails around the lake offer chances to walk and see nature.
Parks and Facilities
The parks located around R.E. "Bob" Woodruff Lake have many helpful facilities. These include sandy beaches for swimming and sunbathing. There are also campgrounds where you can stay overnight. Picnic areas are available with tables for your meals. Plus, boat ramps make it easy to launch your boat into the water.