The R.L. Harris Dam of Lake Wedowee was completed in 1982. The two rivers that flow into Lake Wedowee are the Little Tallapoosa and the Tallapoosa (locally called the Big River). These rivers originate across the Georgia state line and join at the Hwy 48 bridge. Lake Wedowee spans 10,660 acres; it’s 24 miles long and has a 271 mile shoreline. When the lake is at full capacity, it is 793 feet above sea level. Alabama Power Company controls lake levels and typically raises the lake level by early to mid April. Lake depth reaches a maximum of approximately 150 feet. The lake is known for its crystal waters, although long periods of rain will temporarily stain the area near the upper end of both rivers. Use the chart below for more facts about Lake Wedowee.

Construction started	In-service date		Generators
November 1, 1974	April 20, 1983		Two units rating 67,500 kilowatts each.
Dam	Reservoir		Average Temperatures
Elevation above sea level: 793 feet	Type: Gravity concrete		January - low of 35 degrees to high of 58 degrees
Area of watershed draining into reservoir: 1,453 square miles	Length: 1,142 feet		July – low of 67 degrees to high of 92 degrees
Shoreline: 271 miles	Maximum height: 150 feet
Length: 24 miles	Recreation
Maximum depth at dam: 135 feet	Sailing	Picnicking	Camping	Fishing
Area: 10,660 acres	Swimming	Boating	Relaxing	Skiing
Normal Full Pool	Average Rainfall		Primary water sources
Elevation is 793 between above mean sea level	52 inches per year		Tallapoosa and Little Tallapoosa Rivers
The dam fluctuates approximately 8 to 10 feet between Oct. 1 to April 30