Afon Clywedog facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Afon Clywedog |
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![]() Clywedog at the base of Clywedog reservoir
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Country | United Kingdom, Wales |
Region | Mid Wales |
County | Powys |
Settlement | Llanidloes, Staylittle |
Physical characteristics | |
Main source | Plynlimon, Powys, Wales 52°32′28″N 3°43′00″W / 52.5411°N 3.7168°W |
River mouth | River Severn, Llanidloes 52°27′03″N 3°32′26″W / 52.4508°N 3.5406°W |
Length | 29.0 km (18.0 mi) |
The Afon Clywedog is a river in Wales. It's a smaller river that flows into the bigger River Severn. This river starts high up in the hills of Plynlimon in Powys. It flows for about 29 kilometers (18 miles). The Afon Clywedog joins the River Severn near the town of Llanidloes. A lot of rain falls in this area, usually between 1737 and 1836 millimeters each year.
How the River is Controlled
A big part of the Afon Clywedog river is covered by the Clywedog reservoir. This reservoir is like a giant lake built to store water. It collects water, especially during the winter months.
Why the Reservoir is Important
The reservoir helps manage the river's flow. When there isn't much rain, the reservoir releases water. This helps keep the River Severn flowing well. This is important because people downstream use water from the Severn for drinking.
The reservoir also helps prevent floods. During winter, the reservoir is kept below its fullest level. This leaves space to hold extra water when there's heavy rain. By holding back floodwaters, it helps reduce flooding further down the main river.
Because of the reservoir, the Afon Clywedog's flow is carefully controlled. This means it can have a good amount of water even when it's dry. And it can have less water during very wet weather to help prevent floods.