Lowhead dams are deceptively dangerous. The public should exercise extreme caution when in the vicinity of such dams. Virginia has several lowhead dams on rivers throughout the state. Over the years, houseboats, fishing vessels, powerboats, sailboats, PWC, kayaks, and canoes have all fallen victim to lowhead dams
Lowhead dams may range from a 25-foot drop-off to a mere six-inch drop-off. Some dams are very wide and others not wide at all. Interestingly, the characteristics of moving water are the same regardless of the size of the dam. Part of the deception is that most people would associate danger with a dam having a significant drop off and fast-flowing water but fail to realize the danger is as great with a two- or three-foot dam face and a moderate flow of water. The dam design, depth, volume and velocity of water combine to determine the risk to boaters.
Danger lurks above and below the dam. Water flowing over a drop forms a hole or hydraulic at the base which can trap objects washing over the drop. Backwash or recirculating current is formed below the dam. Once swept over the dam, a victim becomes trapped and is forced underwater, pushed away from the dam, then circulated to the top. The circulating motion then repeats the cycle over and over again as the individual is drawn back against the base of the dam.
Dangers to Boaters:
- Dams are difficult to spot from upstream and often are not marked by signs or buoys.
- Dam hydraulics are unpredictable.
- Dams can deceive even experienced boaters.
- The concrete walls at the side of the dam face block the exit route for individuals trying to escape.
- Areas immediately downstream also present risk as the water is flowing upstream.
- Rescuing trapped individuals is dangerous and often unsuccessful.
Safety Tips to Follow:
- Scout the river and know the location of hazards. Talk with boaters who are familiar with the river to gain additional knowledge.
- Boat with experienced, responsible boaters and learn from them.
- Watch for a smooth horizon line where the stream meets the sky. This potentially indicates the presence of a dam.
- Look out for concrete retaining walls which are part of the dam structure and easier to spot.
- Portage around all dams.
- When portaging, re-enter the river at a point well downstream of the boil.
It is nearly impossible to escape the strength of the hydraulic when trapped. The best thing to do if in this situation is to tuck the chin down, draw the knees up to the chest with arms wrapped around them. Hopefully, conditions will be such that the current will push the victim along the bed of the river until swept beyond the boil line and released by the hydraulic.
If attempting a rescue of a trapped person, always wear a lifejacket. Throw a line from shore to the person in danger. Untrained rescuers should never approach the hydraulic in a boat. Call for help if possible.
Thanks to the Ohio DNR Division of Watercraft for provided content.
Get more information from Virginia Department of Conservation & Recreation.