POWERGRAMS

16 water can back up. I've seen several feet of difference in water levels because of that. "In Hydro, we like to say 'You get in a drought slow, but you get in a flood fast,'" he said. On the Tallapoosa River System, Martin Dam Hydro Manager David Waites and his teams ensure that units are available to effectively use water for power generation. "In the past, we've taken outages in the summertime to keep lake levels higher, but this year we've shifted outages from summer to fall," Waites said. "We ensured that our spillways operated properly. We had to raise spillway gates during the summer, which is rare." The extra rains provided benefits to Lake Martin fishermen. The increased discharge of dissolved-oxygen-rich waters at the tailrace drew more shad – the favorite meal of striped bass sought by fishermen. If enough water is available, Lake Martin's federal operating license allows higher lake elevations during late summer to benefit recreation, marinas and other businesses. LAKES ARE BEAUTIFUL, SAFE AND OFFER RECREATION Jordan Hydro Dam at the end of the Coosa River typically spills more water in the spring. "Our spillways take care of the excess waters at Bouldin Hydro Dam, which has no spillway gates," said Jordan Hydro Plant Superintendent Travis Cheaney, who has worked in Hydro for 20 years. "The added rains this summer just added to it. We have two units offline, so this was additional spillage for us, making up for discharge from the plants." Jordan Dam has 18 small spillway gates, each of which can handle 1,800 cubic feet of water per second (cfs). Each of the plant's 17 large gates handles 8,000 cfs. The plant maintains a consistent minimum flow of 2,000 cfs. If more water is discharged than what is coming in, lake levels will eventually lower. Flows are important to maintaining cooler water temperatures for fish health and plant discharges. During many summers past, Jordan employees have been forced to decrease its spillage to 1,400 cfs because of low inflows. Cheaney said that through the second half of 2017, the water table has been high enough to support Jordan's generation and keep the lake full. Jordan is home to whitewater festivals that depend on ample lake levels. "We haven't needed to ask for variances from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission and the Corps of Engineers," he said. "It's been highly unusual for us at Jordan. During summer, we usually try to ramp down and conserve water to keep ample water for canoeing and kayaking on the weekends. We've been able to conserve water and keep the lake as full as possible for recreation." Reservoir Management Operations Lead Christy Nix said she's proud of Hydro employees' commitment to operating the dams and managing the lakes. Nix said company engineers stay extremely busy, ensuring Alabama Power's lakes continue to benefit those who rely on the watershed. "We had a really wet June, setting records at a few local weather service rain gauge stations," Nix said. "And it boosted our energy production at the hydro plants. Our employees have done a great job managing through those high flows and maximizing generation." Alabama Power's 14 hydro facilities provide clean energy and recreation across state.

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