Fact Sheet

The Martin Dam was the first of four dams constructed on the Tallapoosa River. When it was built, the dam created the world’s largest artificial body of water. The existing license, issued by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission in May 1978, expires on June 8, 2013. An application for a new license must be filed with the FERC on or before June 8, 2011.

Town: Near Dadeville
Counties: Elmore and Tallapoosa
River: Tallapoosa River
River Miles above Mobile: 420 miles
River Miles downstream of Harris Dam: 77 river miles
River Miles upstream of Yates dam: 8 miles

Original Construction Started: Units 1, 2 and 3 – July 23, 1923

In-Service Date: January 1, 1927

Unit 4 installed: 1952

Type: Gravity concrete
Length: 2,000 feet
Maximum height: 168 feet
Volume of concrete: 431,000 cubic yards
Spillway gates: 20 – 30 feet x 16 feet
Capacity of each gate: 3,016,000 gallons per minute

Full Pool Elevation above sea level: 491 feet msl
Area: 40,000 acres
Shoreline: 700 miles
Length: 31 miles
Maximum depth at dam: 155 feet
Area of watershed draining into reservoir: 3,000 sq miles

Length: 307.9 feet
Height: 99 feet
Width: 58 feet
Crane capacity: 200 tons
Gross head: 145 feet
Normal tailwater elevation: 344 feet

Number: 4
Type: Vertical Francis
Upgrades: Three original 1927 turbines upgraded between 2001 and 2004 to 45.8, 41.0 and
40.5 MW, respectively. Unit 4 added in 1952; capacity of 55.2 MW
Horsepower at 145 feet head:  *78,000
Water discharge:  *2,744,000 gallons per minute
Speed:  *112.5 revolutions per minute
Diameter of water wheel:  *15 feet
Total Plant Generating Capacity: 182.5 MW
(*Largest unit)

Number: 4
Manufacturer: General Electric
Voltage: 12,000 volts
Speed:   *112.5 revolutions per minute
Diameter of rotor:  *27 feet 1 inch
(*Largest unit)