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Jordan Lake and Dam are located on perhaps the strongest stretch of the Coosa River, which provides plenty of energy through hydro facilities.
Locate fishing spots, boat launches and other points of interest.
Lake Jordan Office
(205) 755-4420
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Lake elevations are always subject to change, depending on conditions. Individuals who recreate below our dams and those with boats and water-related equipment on our lakes and facilities should always stay alert to changing conditions and be prepared to take the necessary steps to protect their property.
Ever wondered why the water at your favorite lake is often higher or lower than when you last visited?
APC operates two kinds of lakes: 1) Run of River, and 2) Storage. Lay, Mitchell and Jordan lakes on the Coosa River, Yates and Thurlow lakes on the Tallapoosa River, and Bankhead and Holt lakes (owned by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers) on the Warrior River are called “run-of-river” projects that discharge essentially the same amount of water that flows into them. This type of operation gives them a fairly consistent lake level year round. These lakes were not designed with flood control as a specific project purpose. Alternatively, “storage” projects like Weiss, Henry, and Logan Martin lakes on the Coosa River, Harris and Martin lakes on the Tallapoosa River, and Smith lake on the Warrior (Sipsey) River provide seasonal storage, having different summer and winter pool levels, and are drawn down late fall into the winter to provide a means of managing and storing winter/spring rains. These operations provide a measure of protection against downstream flooding during high flow events. These storage projects normally have their levels returned to summer pool levels during the spring timeframe. Water stored in these storage lakes can also help mitigate some impacts of drought by providing a limited source of water for use when it is scarce, such as during drought periods.
The need for water in summer and fall can often exceed the natural supply. Most big lakes also operate for many other reasons – hydropower, recreation, navigation and the environment. Each of these purposes can factor into whether water is released, causing a fall in lake levels particularly during the late summer and fall periods.
Floods are normally the cause of the greatest and quickest changes in lake levels. Heavy rains produce floods that can raise a lake level several feet overnight. When floods are over, it is important to get the lake ready to store water from the next flood that may come along, and that is done by returning the lake to its normal level.
ClearWe at Alabama Power are pleased to provide you information and hope you will safely enjoy the many benefits of our lakes. Please be aware that the generation schedule and subsequent water releases from the dams are subject to change without notice. Please understand that you alone are responsible for your safety on the lakes and rivers. Areas below the dams are considered hazardous because of turbulent water conditions.
The wildest stretch of the Coosa River began about 14 miles north of Wetumpka and ended at the bridge that linked the two sides of town. So great were the falls and standing waves that you could hear the water roar a mile from the stream. "Devil’s Staircase," as it was known, is where Jordan Dam would be completed in 1928.
Forty years later, a second dam was constructed on Jordan Lake, Walter Bouldin Dam. Bouldin Dam has the largest generating capacity of Alabama Power's hydro facilities and is unusual in design because it was built on a canal.
The story of Jordan Dam and Jordan Lake began as a story of energy. It continues today as a story of flood control, recreation and economic opportunity, irrigation and drinking water, and fish and wildlife habitats. Power was just the beginning.
Jordan Reservoir Facts:
Elevation above sea level: 252 feet
Drop Area: 6,800 acres
Shoreline: 118 miles
Length: 18.4 miles
Maximum depth at dam: 110 feet
Area of watershed draining into reservoir: 10,165 square miles
Jordan Dam Facts:
In service: 12/31/1928
Capacity: Four generators rating 25,000 kilowatts each
Type: Gravity concrete
Length: 2,066 feet
Maximum height: 125 feet
Alabama Power’s operating licenses for its projects are issued for a period ranging from 30-50 years and must be renewed for the company to continue operating its existing hydroelectric developments.
Use the information below to find the best fishing spots and learn about the species you’ll find in our lakes.
View or download coordinates that will help you find a great fishing spot.
Each year, Alabama Power welcomes thousands of visitors to its five day-use parks and more than 45 public access sites on the Coosa, Tallapoosa and Black Warrior rivers.
Alabama Power and its state and local partners operate and maintain dozens of boat ramps and bank fishing access sites along the shoreline. The company also maintains thousands of acres of natural and undeveloped land along the lakes for use by hikers, bird-watchers and primitive campers.
Spring is just around the corner, which means people will soon be back out on the water enjoying Alabama’s lakes and rivers. The Birmingham Boat Show, which runs through ...
Get instant access to lake conditions, plus enjoy cool, interactive features to help you make the most of your time on the water.
