Cypress Creek Weir: Where Do We Go Now?

No one knows why Daniel Smith (pictured) and his friends decided to ignore the "Danger" signs posted along Cypress Creek. It may be that they had crossed the low-head dam before safely. It may have been a case of "youthful exuberance," as many call such actions. We do know Daniel S. Smith is reportedly the sixth person to drown at the weir since it was constructed in 1980.

We also know that removing the dam in not an option. Can it be retrofitted in some way that removes at least part of the danger? How can more boaters be encouraged to use the portage trail around the dam? We're reminded of the adage concerning the demarcation between bold and old pilots. Perhaps the same may be said for those who choose to navigate Cypress Creek.

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News accounts have consistently listed Daniel Smith as the sixth victim of the Cypress Creek weir. If correct, that would be one drowning for each five years of its existence.

However, these accounts usually list only five names. If you know the name of the low-head dam's sixth victim, please forward it to us. Our sincerest sympathies to the families of all who have lost their lives to this "drowning machine."

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For those who wish to encourage the City of Florence to retrofit the Cypress Creek weir, there is a new Facebook group dedicated to accomplishing just that:

Save Lives on Cypress Creek: Block off the Low Head Dam!

Shoalanda

The Drowning Machine in Cypress Creek

Photo by L. Wray Dillard
The dam located near Florence's Cypress Creek pumping station has claimed more than one victim. In March 1982, two years after the structure's completion, Jerry Roberson and Allen Weeks drowned after their canoe capsized in the strong current.

In August 2004, Max Harlan died at the low-head dam. The next June, Will Pannell also drowned. At that time, civil engineers suggested retrofitting the weir, calling it a "drowning machine." So far the city has not performed any work on the dam, but has reportedly increased the number of warning signs at the dam's approach.

It's been six years since Pannell's death, but there is no guarantee that the strong current produced by the dam won't claim other lives in the future. Florence is about to vote on settling a wrongful death suit brought by Pannell's family, but it should not be a matter of dollars and cents. Florence should do whatever it takes to make Cypress Creek safe.

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Photographer L. Wray Dillard has posted a portfolio of stunning local photographs on the Panoramio site. You can view more photos of Cypress Creek at this link:

Weir Dam on Cypress Creek

Shoalanda