Atwood Lake facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Atwood Lake |
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 Atwood Lake
Location in Ohio
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| Location | Carroll County / Tuscarawas County, Ohio, U.S. |
| Coordinates | 40°31′36″N 81°17′05″W / 40.52667°N 81.28472°W |
| Type | reservoir |
| Primary inflows | Indian Fork and others |
| Primary outflows | Indian Fork |
| Catchment area | 70 sq mi (180 km2) |
| Basin countries | United States |
| Max. length | 8.5 mi (13.7 km) to 10.7 mi (17.2 km) |
| Surface area | 1,540 acres (6.2 km2) to 2,460 acres (10.0 km2) |
| Water volume | 23,600 to 49,700 acre-feet (29,100,000 to 61,300,000 m3) |
| Surface elevation | 928 ft (283 m) to 941 ft (287 m) |
| Settlements | Dellroy, Ohio |
Atwood Lake is a large reservoir (an artificial lake) located in eastern Ohio. It stretches across parts of Tuscarawas and Carroll counties. The lake was created by building the Atwood Dam across a stream called Indian Fork. Indian Fork is a branch of Conotton Creek.
The lake gets its name from an old community called Atwood. This village was bought, taken down, and then covered by the lake's waters. If the lake level is low in winter, you might still see signs of an old train station and road near Dellroy. Besides Indian Fork, other smaller streams like Elliott Run and Willow Run also flow into the lake.
The Atwood Dam was finished in September 1936. It cost about $1.4 million to build. The Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District (MWCD) built the dam. Later, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers took over running the dam and the land right around it. This happened after a law called the Flood Control Act of 1939 was passed.
The MWCD still helps manage much of the lake area. They work with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to help prevent floods. The MWCD also runs many fun places for people to visit. They also work with the Ohio Division of Wildlife to manage fishing and hunting.
Contents
Atwood Dam: How It Works
The Atwood Dam is a big structure made of rolled earth. It has a strong, waterproof core inside. The dam is about 65 feet (20 m) high and 3,700 feet (1,128 m) long. It helps control the water levels in the lake.
Spillway: Releasing Extra Water
A spillway is like a safety valve for the lake. It's a channel that lets extra water flow out when the lake gets too full. This spillway is near the south side of the dam. It helps prevent the lake from overflowing during heavy rains or snowmelt.
Outlet Works: Managing Water Flow
The dam also has special structures called outlet works. These are like big pipes with gates that can be opened or closed. They help release water from the lake in a controlled way. This is important for managing the lake's level. It also helps control the flow of water into the stream below the dam.
The normal water level for Atwood Lake is about 928 feet (283 m). At this level, the lake covers about 1,540 acres (6 km2). When there's a lot of rain or snow, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers can hold more water. The lake can go up to a maximum level of 941 feet (287 m). At this highest level, the lake can cover about 2,460 acres (10.0 km2).
Sometimes, very high water levels can cause roads near the lake to close. Every November, the lake's water level is lowered to 923 feet (281 m). This "winter pool" creates more space for floodwaters. It also helps to freeze and kill unwanted water plants. In the spring, the water level is brought back up for the summer.
Fun Things to Do at Atwood Lake
Atwood Lake is a popular spot for outdoor activities. There's a public boat launch ramp near the dam. The lake has about 28 miles (45 km) of shoreline, perfect for exploring. Many different kinds of fish live in the lake, making it a great place for fishing.
Atwood Lake Park
Atwood Lake Park is a great place to visit. It has a beach where you can swim and relax. There are also camping areas and other facilities for visitors. The Alive Festival, a music event, is sometimes held at the park.
Atwood Lake Marina
If you want to get out on the water, the Atwood Lake Marina has two locations, east and west. You can rent boats there to explore the lake.
Atwood Lake Resort and Conference Center
The Atwood Lake Resort and Conference Center was built in 1965. It used to have golf courses, including a nine-hole course and an 18-hole championship course. The property was sold to Carroll County in 2012. The resort closed in 2016. In 2017, it was sold again. The new owner, Billy Burns, planned to develop a health and wellness center called The Bluffs there.
Atwood Yacht Club
The Atwood Yacht Club is a private club located on the south shore of the lake.
