tailwater
Tailwater is the body of water released from a dam's tailrace, the conduit that carries water away from the turbines and through the outlet works downstream of the dam. The tailwater downstream of a dam is affected by the reservoir level, turbine operations, and spillway releases, and its flow is typically regulated to meet flood control, power generation, and downstream water-supply objectives.
The released water often originates from the reservoir's depths and can be cooler and more oxygenated than
Tailwaters can create productive fisheries by providing predictable flows and suitable temperatures, supporting species such as
Tailwaters pose hazards including strong currents, undercurrents, hydraulics near spillways, and floating debris. Operators balance multiple