What Happens When you Fall into a Spillway?

When you visit a dam, you are more likely to see a spillway. This enjoyable sightseeing adventure is one that comes with many risks. So what happens when you fall into a spillway?

When you fall into a Spillway, you will first get wet… Lol! Apparently to understand the sequence of events that follows afterward, let’s get to know What exactly a spillway is.

A spillway is a structure built to control the flow of water, typically found in dams. It ensures that excess water doesn’t overwhelm the dam, preventing potential disasters.

When a dam is built across a water body, it usually divides the river into two sides. The side upstream becomes a reservoir that holds a large mass of water for many economic uses.

Meanwhile, the side downstream is usually a continuously flowing river. To ensure that the reservoir water doesn’t fill up and overflow uncontrollably, a passage or gateway is constructed in the dam to control the release of water. These passages are referred to as Spillways.

Just so you know, a spillway is located at the top of the reservoir pool. It is designed to release water efficiently, making it subjected to powerful and intense water currents. Although there are different spillways designs, each is quite dangerous in its own way.

Take a look at this spillway; you might think that it is a perfect spot for riding a water slide. But this is a chute spillway, and it is nowhere near a place to have fun. A chute spillway is a common and basic design that transfers excess water from behind the dam down a smooth decline into the river below.

What about this spillway which resembles a watery vortex that can teleport you to a different dimension… It is called a Bell-mouth Spillway.

A bell-mouth spillway is an uncontrolled spillway designed like an inverted bell, where water can enter around the entire perimeter. It is also called morning glory or glory hole spillways.

Now, imagine falling into one of these. What do you think would happen?

The initial plunge is nothing short of a heart-stopping moment. Apparently, you will first be overwhelmed by the rush of water as well as the sheer force of the fall.

While trying to hold on to the edge of the spillway, you can hear the water clashing all the way down against the concrete floor, yet you can’t see it.

The bottom or exit point of the spillway is so dark because it is nearly 250 feet deep from the top. All you can see is water and small debris falling down and never to be seen again.

The good news is that the water does eventually exit somewhere. But the bad news is that you are holding onto a slippery surface with thousands of gallons of water rushing in your face and down that hole that does exit somewhere.

Of course, you might consider sliding down into the unimaginable depths of the spillway. However, the fear of the unknown sends shivers down your spine.

From the moment you fall into this dark hole, you are likely to hold onto your breath. As you fall into a depth of over 250 feet, you will begin gasping for air.

You will be like: “Oh! I need some air. Eventually, you will hit a concrete floor with such force that you either fall unconscious or open your mouth and scream, forcing you to take a deep breath of water, that is, if you haven’t died yet.

Ok, let’s say you are still alive, even though there is a 0.000001% that you will survive to this point; that will simply be because the end of the exit part of the spillway is sloped, and the water kind of acts like a cushion, allowing you to suffer a little longer.

Sadly, the pipe connected from the entering point of the spillway narrows to 28 feet wide at its exit point. Even though its diameter is wide enough that you can fit in, you will be compressed by the pressure of the water gushing into the space.

Bear in mind that you haven’t taken a breath since you fell into the turbulent water. At the exit point, the water continuously moves in a random motion and will endlessly spin you as if you were inside of a washing machine until the pipe spits you out.

Although the chances of you surviving to this point are slim, let’s say you did survive, though: you still have 300 feet of pipe to flow through, completely submerged in compacted water that presses against your entire body, including your chest.

If you don’t die of suffocation, then the water pressure compressing your body is likely to kill you. But let’s say you are one lucky son of a gun and survived; you still have to be spilt out of the creak.

Sadly, you most likely will be thrown at a speed of 60mph on rocks. Yeah, not so great. You’re dead, my friend. Yeah, it’s not a pretty end, I’m afraid.

Apparently, this story is a summary of what happened to Emily Shwalek who was taken by the cold hands of death after being Sucked Into Lake Berryessa Spillway in 1997.

No doubt, if you fall into a spillway, you most likely wouldn’t live to tell the tale. Remember, this isn’t an endorsement to try it out; it’s just a fascinating exploration of what could happen. If you enjoyed this adventure, give us a thumbs up, and don’t forget to share your thoughts in the comments below.