Atkinson Dam facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Atkinson Dam |
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Atkinson Dam wall
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 Location of the Atkinson Dam
in Queensland |
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| Country | Australia |
| Location | South East Queensland |
| Coordinates | 27°25′42″S 152°26′39″E / 27.42833°S 152.44417°E |
| Purpose | Irrigation |
| Status | Operational |
| Opening date | 1970 |
| Operator(s) | SEQ Water |
| Dam and spillways | |
| Type of dam | Embankment dam |
| Impounds | Buaraba Creek |
| Height | 9 m (30 ft) |
| Length | 2,088 m (6,850 ft) |
| Dam volume | 74×103 m3 (2.6×106 cu ft) |
| Spillways | One |
| Spillway type | Uncontrolled |
| Spillway capacity | 439 m3/s (15,500 cu ft/s) |
| Reservoir | |
| Creates | Lake Atkinson |
| Total capacity | 30,500 ML (1,080×106 cu ft) |
| Catchment area | 32.72 km2 (12.63 sq mi) |
| Surface area | 556 ha (1,370 acres) |
| Maximum length | 4.2 km (2.6 mi) |
| Maximum width | 2.5 km (1.6 mi) |
| Maximum water depth | 9 m (30 ft) |
| Normal elevation | 65.7 m (216 ft) |
The Atkinson Dam is a large dam in Queensland, Australia. It's built across Buaraba Creek and a natural lagoon near Lowood. The main reason for this dam is to provide water for farms in the lower Lockyer Valley. The big lake formed by the dam is called Lake Atkinson.
About Atkinson Dam
Atkinson Dam is located in the area called Atkinsons Dam. It's about 22 kilometers northeast of Gatton in the Somerset Region. The dam wall was built in 1970 over a natural lagoon.
The dam wall is 9 meters (about 30 feet) high. It stretches for 2,088 meters (over 2 kilometers or 1.3 miles) long. When full, it can hold a huge amount of water: 30,500 megalitres. That's enough water to fill 12,200 Olympic-sized swimming pools!
The surface of Lake Atkinson covers 556 hectares (about 1,374 acres). The area that collects water for the dam is 32.72 square kilometers. The dam has a special overflow area, called an uncontrolled spillway, which can release 439 cubic meters of water per second.
Things to Do at the Dam
Atkinson Dam is connected to Seven Mile Lagoon by a 1.2-kilometer channel. Visitors can enjoy several facilities here. There are two boat ramps for launching boats. You'll also find picnic tables if you want to have a meal outdoors. There are even two caravan parks nearby for longer stays.
Only 15 boats are allowed on the lake at any one time. This helps keep the lake safe and enjoyable for everyone. In the past, like in mid-2006, the dam sometimes became empty due to long periods of drought.
Fishing at Lake Atkinson
Lake Atkinson is a great spot for fishing! Different types of fish have been added to the lake over time. You can find fish like silver perch, bass, southern saratoga, and golden perch. This makes it a popular place for anglers.
However, fishing can sometimes be tricky. During dry times, the water levels can get very low. Also, the water might not have enough oxygen, especially in summer. This can make it harder to catch fish. Other fish you might find include eel-tailed catfish and spangled perch.
