Does this page show the Smith Lake generation schedule?

No. This page shows observed releases, which is water the dam has already released as reported by the operator. It is not a schedule and does not predict when the generators will run. Alabama Power publishes its own operating information for Smith Lake at apcshorelines.com/lake/smith.

Cfs means cubic feet per second, a measure of how much water is flowing. Powerhouse flow is water passing through the generators; spillway flow is water passing through the spillway; total outflow is the water released from the dam as reported.

Lake Intel

Smith Lake dam releases

What Lewis Smith Dam has released, as observed and reported by the operator. Each figure shows who published it and when.

This page shows OBSERVED releases: what the dam has already released, as reported by the operator. It is not a generation schedule and does not predict when the generators will run. Alabama Power's Smith Lake page(opens in a new tab)

Observed releases

Powerhouse flow: 4,725 cfs; Observed 7:00 PM CT (delayed); Delayed: this is the latest reading (Observed 7:00 PM CT, 2 hours ago), older than usual.; Water that passed through the generators.
Spillway flow: 0 cfs; Observed 7:00 PM CT (delayed); Delayed: this is the latest reading (Observed 7:00 PM CT, 2 hours ago), older than usual.; Water that passed over or through the spillway gates.
Total outflow: 4,725 cfs; Observed 7:00 PM CT (delayed); Delayed: this is the latest reading (Observed 7:00 PM CT, 2 hours ago), older than usual.; All water released from the dam, as reported.
Tailwater elevation: 265.47 ft; Observed 7:00 PM CT (delayed); Delayed: this is the latest reading (Observed 7:00 PM CT, 2 hours ago), older than usual.; River surface elevation just below the dam.
Inflow: 453 cfs; Observed 7:00 PM CT (delayed); Delayed: this is the latest reading (Observed 7:00 PM CT, 2 hours ago), older than usual.; Water flowing into the lake, as computed by the reservoir operator.

Source: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers water data (Alabama Power readings). Most recent reading observed 7:00 PM CT. Lewis Smith Dam readings: Alabama Power data published by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Mobile District. Provisional and unreviewed.

Provisional data: readings are published by the source before review and can be revised. Times are Central Time (CT).

Where the schedule comes from

Smith Lake NOW does not hold a generation schedule. Alabama Power operates Lewis Smith Dam and publishes its lake information, including operating schedules, on its own Smith Lake page.

Alabama Power: Smith Lake(opens in a new tab)Alabama Power: contact(opens in a new tab)

What this means for boaters

Water released from a dam can make the river below it rise, and flows can change during the day. The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR) says that below the dam the water can rise rapidly, as much as 12 to 15 feet vertically, that warning sirens sound when power generation begins, and that generation schedules are available by calling 1-800-LAKES-11 (schedules can change).

ADCNR: Sipsey Fork below Smith Dam(opens in a new tab)

Stay alert near the dam and in the river below it, and follow posted warning signs and any warning sirens. A figure on this page describes the past, so use the official sources above for current information.

Common questions

Does this page show the Smith Lake generation schedule?: No. This page shows observed releases, which is water the dam has already released as reported by the operator. It is not a schedule and does not predict when the generators will run. Alabama Power publishes its own operating information for Smith Lake at apcshorelines.com/lake/smith.
What does cfs mean?: Cfs means cubic feet per second, a measure of how much water is flowing. Powerhouse flow is water passing through the generators; spillway flow is water passing through the spillway; total outflow is the water released from the dam as reported.