Excessive rain filling Sloss Lake
By Staff
Jonathan Willis
Many county residents were thrilled to see water pouring over the spillway at Sloss Lake this week after heavy rains moved across the Southeast.
The lake, which was drained in February after two large holes appeared in the earthen dam along Alabama 24, quickly filled as heavy rains set in.
Some officials estimate that more than eight inches of rain fell across northwest Alabama in a three-day period.
The lake quickly filled with water, but could lose it just as fast.
City officials have not had the dam completely repaired at this time, so the drain is open at the lake.
"It will take a few days to drain, but it is supposed to all drain out," city councilman Craig Grissom said.
Officials said the lake is filled by more than 4,000 acres of water from nearby springs and streams.
"I hope it fills that fast when we have the dam repaired and are ready to open the lake again," Grissom said.