Alabama River flows through the East Gulf Coastal Plain of Alabama. It is formed where the Coosa and Tallapoosa rivers join north of Montgomery in the central part of the state. The Alabama follows a winding course southwest for 315 miles (507 kilometers). At a point about 45 miles (72 kilometers) north of Mobile, it unites with the Tombigbee River to form the Mobile River.
The Alabama River is navigable for its entire length. Three dams lie along the river. They create three bodies of water–R. E. “Bob” Woodruff Lake, William Dannelly Reservoir, and Claiborne Lake. Power stations generated by the dams provide electric power. The lakes and reservoir are used for recreation. They also release water, as needed, to maintain a navigation channel 9 feet (2.7 meters) deep.
