DCHP-1 Online
side dam Hist. 
a dam built at the side of a rapids to build up a reservoir of water for floating logs down a slide (def. la).
See also: slide (def. 1a)
- 1883 At that time . . . [the rapids] were in their natural state, but now they have been improved by side dams and slides that their passage is comparatively easy.
- 1883 At that time . . . [the rapids] were in their natural state, but now they have been improved by side dams and slides that their passage is comparatively easy.