Antelope Dam (California) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Antelope Dam |
|
|---|---|
Feather River watershed map, with Indian Creek and Antelope Reservoir towards the upper right
|
|
| Location | Plumas County, California |
| Coordinates | 40°10′51″N 120°36′27″W / 40.18083°N 120.60750°W |
| Opening date | 1964 |
| Dam and spillways | |
| Type of dam | Earthfill |
| Impounds | Indian Creek |
| Height | 113 ft (34 m) |
| Length | 1,320 ft (400 m) |
| Elevation at crest | 5,025 ft (1,532 m) |
| Width (base) | 30 ft (9.1 m) |
| Dam volume | 380,000 cu yd (290,000 m3) |
| Reservoir | |
| Creates | Antelope Lake |
| Total capacity | 22,566 acre⋅ft (27,835,000 m3) |
| Catchment area | 71 sq mi (180 km2) |
| Surface area | 931 acres (377 ha) |
| Normal elevation | 5,007 ft (1,526 m) |
Antelope Dam, also known as Antelope Valley Dam, is an important structure located in Plumas County, California. It is a key part of the California State Water Project, which helps manage water for people and nature across the state.
This dam was built to create Antelope Lake. The lake is a popular spot for outdoor activities and helps protect local wildlife. The entire area around the dam is surrounded by the beautiful Plumas National Forest.
Contents
Discover Antelope Dam
What is Antelope Dam?
Antelope Dam is an earthen dam. This means it is built mostly from compacted earth and rock. It was constructed in 1964 by the California Department of Water Resources.
The dam stands about 113 feet (34 m) (34 meters) tall. Its top, or crest, stretches for about 1,320 feet (400 m) (402 meters) across the valley. The dam holds back the waters of Indian Creek.
Antelope Lake: A Beautiful Reservoir
The water held back by Antelope Dam forms a large body of water called Antelope Lake, or Antelope Reservoir. This lake covers an area of about 931 acres (377 ha) (377 hectares).
The lake has a shoreline that stretches for about 15 miles (24 km) (24 kilometers). It can hold a lot of water, with a normal capacity of 22,566 acre-feet (27,835,000 m3) (27.8 million cubic meters).
Several creeks flow into Antelope Lake, bringing fresh water. These include Indian, Boulder, Lone Rock, Antelope, and Little Antelope Creeks. The water then flows out of the lake through Indian Creek, which eventually joins the East Branch North Fork Feather River.
Fun Things to Do at Antelope Lake
Antelope Lake is a fantastic place for outdoor adventures. Many people visit the area for recreation and to enjoy nature.
Some popular activities you can do there include:
- Fishing: The lake is stocked with different types of fish. You can try to catch rainbow and brook trout, smallmouth and largemouth bass, and channel catfish.
- Camping: The surrounding Antelope Lake Recreation Area has 194 campsites. It's a great spot to spend a night or a weekend under the stars.
- Boating: You can bring your boat and enjoy cruising on the lake's calm waters.
- Swimming: On warm days, the lake is a perfect place to cool off with a swim.
- Hunting: Hunting is allowed in designated areas around the lake.
- Hiking: There are many trails nearby for hiking and exploring the beautiful forest.
