Tuesday, June 08, 2021

J. Strom Thurmond Reservoir Dam - The Day the Gates Opened



“The sound of water escaping from mill dams, etc., willows, old rotten planks, slimy posts, and brickwork, I love such things.”

John Constable






On Wednesday, June 2nd, 2021, the gates of this magnificent dam were to be opened for a test. On this overcast day, my daughter, Jeannine, her flock of children, and myself headed to the Dam to see the gates all open which is a rare site to see. Every year they open the spillway gates for a safety test to make sure all the gates will open during high water events requiring an emergency release. They choose this week to open the gates on both this dam and Lake Hartwell’s Dam because National Dam Safety Awareness Day which is on May 31st..

                                              

Back as far as 1890, Lieutenant Oberlin M. Carter of the US Army Corps of Engineers recommended the construction of dams on the Savannah River to prevent Augusta, Georgia from being flooded. The report was overlooked until 1927 when the Rivers and Harbors Act allowed the USACE (United States Corp of Engineers) to investigate the development of the river to be used for hydroelectricity, navigation, flood control, and irrigation. Then finally, after much to do, approved the dams by the 78th Congress in 1944. There were delays because of WWII but the dam was finally completed in 1954. The dam created Clark's Hill Lake aka Strom Thurmond Lake which covers 71,000 acres and 1,000 miles of beautiful shoreline.




Were you wondering why this lake has two names? Georgians named the lake after Elijah Clark, a Revolutionary War hero whom they held near and dear. But the lake was officially designated J. Strom Thurmond Reservoir, after the long term, much beloved South Carolina Senator, J. Strom Thurmond in 1988. Strom Thurmond has since past but still, to this day, this majestic lake goes by two names.






As we sat, waiting for the spillway gates of the dam to open, we marveled at the ingenuity of the engineers who constructed this huge concrete dam that spans 1,096 feet and stands at a tall 204 feet above the riverbed. Just by having this dam in place, it has prevented over $185,000 in estimated flood damage that would have occurred annually downstream. As we sat with a small crowd forming, the weather was stagnant with no breeze, the sun occasionally peaking through the clouds, and the river water was as calm as glass. While waiting, the children entertained themselves by picking the wild blackberries on the slope and enjoying a delicious little snack.









The alarms blared on and off through the silence signaling the opening of the flood gates at 1 pm. We eagerly waited for the gates to open with much anticipation. Then we got word it would be another 15 minutes. Our anticipation was growing. Slowly they started to open the gates, one by one. They opened the gates only a foot for this test and when the water started pouring out, it was a muddy looking but quickly changed to a beautiful clean steady flow. As each gate opened, people excited roared with delight.













We noticed the temperature started to drop and a slight breeze came from the strength of the water pushing through the gates and cascading into the Savannah River with great force. The water at the base of the dam was now turbulent and the small boat parked down stream to watch the show, started rocking in the waves. The birds formed together near the banks enjoying the show and riding the waves. Gate ten remained closed to the end. We all thought there was a gate malfunction and that it would not open. When it did, people cheered and clapped. The temperature had easily dropped 10 degrees Fahrenheit when all the gates were opened. It felt wonderful with every now and then you felt a little of the mist from the falling water on us.





What a spectacular site. How gorgeous it looked with all gates open. The gates remained open for 45 minutes. Then just as when the gates opened, the alarms went off signaling the closing of the gates. It is an amazing site to see. If you ever have the opportunity to see the gates open, you should do it. If not, I hope you enjoyed the experience through us.


Till next time. Bye for now.

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