Lewis Smith Lake
| Industry | Electric power generation |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1906 |
Key people | Lewis Martin Smith (president 1952–1957) |
| Products | Hydroelectric power |
| Website | www |
Lewis Smith Lake, frequently referred to as Smith Lake, is a man-made reservoir situated in northern Alabama. Positioned on the Sipsey Fork branch of the Black Warrior River, this lake extends over across parts of Cullman, Walker, and Winston counties. It holds the distinction of being Alabama’s deepest lake, reaching a depth of at the dam site. The reservoir, characterized by its distinctive three-pronged shape, boasts more than of shoreline and is maintained at a full pool elevation of .
The creation of the lake was accomplished by Alabama Power through the erection of the Lewis Smith Dam, recognized as one of the largest earthen dams in the eastern United States. This dam measures in length and has a height of . Construction commenced on November 25, 1957, with operational status achieved on September 5, 1961. The dam’s namesake is Lewis Martin Smith, who served as president of Alabama Power from 1952 until 1957.
Surrounding communities include Bremen, Cullman, Good Hope, Crane Hill, and Dodge City within Cullman County; Curry and Jasper located in Walker County; as well as Addison, Arley, Houston, and Double Springs in Winston County. The lake’s western boundary adjoins the William B. Bankhead National Forest, which provides camping amenities along its shores.
| Reservoir Details | Dam Specifications | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Elevation above sea level | 510 ft | Operational since | September 5, 1961 | |
| Surface area | 21,200 Acres | Power capacity | Two turbines rated at 78,750 kilowatts each | |
| Shoreline length | 642 mi | Construction type | Rock-fill | |
| Length of reservoir | 35 mi | Dam length | 2,200 ft | |
| Maximum depth at dam site | 264 ft | Dam height | 300 ft | |
| Watershed area feeding reservoir | 944 sq mi | |||
History
During the late 1800s and early 1900s, increasing coal demands along the Black Warrior River prompted local industrial leaders to propose building a dam on the upper Sipsey Fork tributary. The objective was to regulate water flow for power generation during peak demand periods while also fostering recreational opportunities in an otherwise lightly populated region.
Alabama Power submitted its application for construction authorization to the Federal Power Commission on July 27, 1954. Groundbreaking took place on November 25, 1957, with dedication occurring on , marking a total expenditure of $29 million.
For approximately twenty years following its formation, the lake saw minimal development. However, during the 1980s and 1990s, recreational use surged significantly due to its accessibility from both Birmingham and Huntsville. Presently, Lewis Smith Lake primarily serves recreational purposes while its hydroelectric facility operates mainly during summer peak electricity demand periods.