• A side channel spillway is one in which the control weir is placed approximately parallel to the upper portion of the discharge channel, as may be seen from Figure 10. When seen in plan with reference to the dam, the reservoir and the discharge channel, the  side channel spillway would look typically as in Figure 11 and its sectional view in  Figure 12. The flow over the crest falls into a narrow trough opposite to the weir, turns at an approximate right angle, and then continues into the main discharge channel. The side channel design is concerned only with the hydraulic action in the upstream reach of the discharge channel and is more or less independent of the details selected for the other spillway components. Flow from the side channel can be directed into an open discharge channel, as in Figure 10 or 11 showing a chute channel, or in to a closed conduit which may run under pressure or inclined tunnel. Flow into the side channel might enter on only one side of the trough in the case of a steep hillside location or on both sides and over the end of the trough if it is located on a knoll or gently sloping abutment. 

• Discharge characteristics of a side channel spillway are similar to those of an ordinary overflow spillway and are dependent on the selected profile of the weir crest. Although the side channel is not hydraulically efficient, nor inexpensive, it has advantages which make it adoptable to spillways where a long overflow crest is required in order to limit the afflux (surcharge held to cause flow) and the abutments are steep and precipitous.

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