Center Control

Dams that control outflow using a slide gate or flashboards in the center of the dam are good for remote locations because they are difficult to misoperate. Typically, dams with center control are small, low head dams.

Dual Chamber with Spillway Splitter Wall

• 

  With flashboard control

• 

  With slide gate control

Pros:

• Great for remote locations
• "Spilled" water is conserved (in delivery system)
• Less expensive than systems with gate & gate operators
• Difficult to misoperate

Cons:

• Cannot make low level releases unless all flashboards are removed
• Only reasonable for small, low head dams
• Potential for leakage along internal weir divider or around joints (if precase tower sections are used)

Examples

• Wet Tower with Spillway Splitter Wall No. 1
• Wet Tower with Spillway Splitter Wall No. 2

Dual Chamber with Dual Slide Gates

Dual Chamber with Dual Slide Gate Configuration:

Pros:

• Easy access to gate for operation
• Gate stems are protected from ice
• Guard gate allows work to be done on operating gate or downstream conduit without draining the reservoir

Cons:

• Venting required

Examples

• Dual Chamber with Dual Slide Gates

Single Chamber and Gate

Single Chamber and Gate Configuration:

Pros:

• Easy access to gate for operation
• Straightforward hydraulics

Cons:

• Venting required
• Spilled water may be lost
• Need to construct auxiliary earthen spillway - can be expensive, high maintenance

Examples

• Single Chamber and Gate

Revision ID: 1502
Revision Date: 06/24/2022