Swift Currents over Spillways

Water flows over low-head dams and over dam spillways are particularly dangerous as they may be difficult to recognize and may not be visible from upstream, due to their low profile and false-horizon appearance. If the crest of the dam is left unmarked and unprotected, boaters in the reservoir can be drawn over the dam or spillway. Jet skiers, canoes, kayaks, and power boats have driven off the crest of low-head dams, unaware of the sudden drop, with tragic consequences. More often, motor boaters experience engine problems and lose control of their boats and are carried by the current over the edge.

If the width of the stream or reservoir narrows on the approach to a dam or spillway structure, the currents over the dam head will increase in velocity. This change in speed can catch people by surprise, drawing in swimmers, kayakers, canoers, and motor boaters towards the dam and over it before they have a chance to respond.

Before heading out on any waterway or body of water, it is critical to view a map (not all dams are indicated on maps, however), ask a local to point out hazards, look out for signage indicating hazards and dams (these are not always present), and always remain alert to the possibility of changes in currents near dam structures. It may be necessary to pull out a safe distance upstream and portage the hazard before re-entering the water a safe distance downstream away from the drop or hazardous hydraulic. Oftentimes people do not have time to get out of the water above the hydraulic or put back in the water too close to the hydraulic downstream and face catastrophic consequences.

Dam owners and operators should also be cognizant of these dangerous hydraulic hazards and mark the approaches to the dam and spillway entrances with signs, buoys or log booms.

Best Practices Resources

Dam Safety Warning Signs Best Practices (Federal Emergency Management Agency)

Citations:

Revision ID: 3505
Revision Date: 09/16/2022