Lewis Smith Lake | |
---|---|
Location | Cullman / Walker / Winston counties, Alabama, US |
Coordinates | 33°56′32″N 087°06′21″W / 33.94222°N 87.10583°W |
Type | Reservoir |
Basin countries | United States |
Surface area | 21,000 acres (85 km2) |
Max. depth | 264 ft (80 m) |
Surface elevation | 510 ft (160 m) |
Islands | Goat Island |
Lewis Smith Lake, also known as Smith Lake, is a reservoir in north Alabama. Located on the Sipsey Fork of the Black Warrior River, it covers over 21,000 acres (85 km2) [1] in Cullman, Walker, and Winston Counties. The maximum depth at the dam is 264 feet (80 m). It is the deepest lake in Alabama. The three-fingered reservoir has over 500 miles (800 km) [1] of shoreline, and at full pool has a level of 510 feet (160 m).[2]
The lake was created by Alabama Power with the construction of the Lewis Smith Dam. One of the largest earthen dams in the eastern United States, it stretches 2,200 feet (670 m) in length and reaches a maximum height of 300 feet (91 m). Construction began on November 25, 1957, and the dam entered service on September 5, 1961 . The name honors Lewis Martin Smith, president of Alabama Power from 1952 to 1957.[3]
Nearby towns include Bremen, Cullman, Good Hope, Crane Hill and Dodge City in Cullman County; Curry and Jasper in Walker County; and Addison, Arley, Houston, and Double Springs. The western side of Smith Lake is partially surrounded by William B. Bankhead which offers camping along the lake's shoreline.[4]
Tourist attractions are: Indian head cliff jump (30 ft), Castle Rock (40–50 ft), and the Castle.