Five Alabama Power Company dams have received “Honored Institution Awards” for their commitment to provide weather data to the National Weather Service (NWS) in Birmingham. Representatives from Weiss Dam and Logan Martin Dam received awards for 25 years of observations; while representatives from Mitchell Dam, Lay Dam and Jordan Dam were awarded for 75 years at a luncheon ceremony Nov. 8 in Clanton.

Rainfall, temperature and other data collected from Alabama Power field gauges are sent to the NWS three times an hour. The recorded data is used in preparing forecasts, including those with flood potential. The information is also sent to the National Climatic Data Center in Ashville, N.C., where it’s entered into a database accessible by the public.

“We have a 75-year history of providing this weather data, and it plays an important role in the National Weather Service’s ability to provide accurate weather forecasts, river forecasts and advisories to the general public,” said Roger Yeargan, Lower Coosa River Manager.

The Cooperative Observer Program was established in 1890 and the National Weather Service relies heavily on voluntary cooperative observers. Nationally, there are more than 11,000 cooperative observers, with nearly 100 across Central Alabama. For more information on Alabama Power’s hydro facilities,go to http://www.alabamapower.com/community/lakes/home.asp. Individuals can also call Alabama Power's automated Reservoir Information System at 1-800-LAKES11 (1-800-525-3711).