When rivers run wild and dams hold back millions of gallons of water, there needs to be a safe escape route. That’s where spillways come in — the unsung heroes of hydropower projects!
A spillway is like a pressure release valve for a dam, allowing excess water to flow out safely and preventing disastrous overflows. But did you know there are several types of spillways, each with its own role and design?
Let’s dive into the most common types👇
🏞️ 1. Ogee Spillway
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Shaped like an “S” curve — smooth and efficient.
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Commonly used in concrete gravity dams.
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Designed to match the natural flow profile of water.
✨ Fun Fact: The ogee shape helps minimize energy loss and splash!
🌉 2. Chute Spillway
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A steep open channel that carries water away from the dam.
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Looks like a giant water slide!
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Ideal for valleys or steep terrain.
🎢 Chute spillways control flow speed with steps or energy dissipators at the bottom.
🚪 3. Side Channel Spillway
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Water enters from the side of the channel.
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Great for narrow gorges or where direct overflow isn't possible.
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Used when space is limited on the dam crest.
🌀 4. Shaft (Morning Glory) Spillway
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Circular spillway shaped like a giant funnel.
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Water drops vertically then flows through a tunnel.
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Perfect for deep reservoirs with limited surface area.
🧁 Looks like a giant drain — and works like one too!
🧱 5. Siphon Spillway
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Uses a curved pipe to draw water over the dam.
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Flow starts automatically when the reservoir reaches a certain level.
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No moving gates required — fully automatic!
⚠️ Why Are Spillways So Important?
Without spillways, dams can overflow, erode, or even collapse. These smart designs keep hydropower plants safe, stable, and sustainable — especially during floods or heavy rainfall.
⚡ Final Splash
Every dam tells a story, and every spillway is a chapter in protecting lives and infrastructure. Whether it’s curved, steep, or shaped like a drain, spillways are the quiet guardians of every hydropower project.
💡 Next time you visit a dam, don’t forget to appreciate the spillway — it's the real MVP behind the scenes!