Baldhill Dam facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Baldhill Dam |
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Baldhill Dam
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 Location of Baldhill Dam in North Dakota
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| Country | United States |
| Location | Barnes County, North Dakota |
| Coordinates | 47°02′08″N 98°04′50″W / 47.035495°N 98.080619°W |
| Status | Operational |
| Opening date | 1951 |
| Owner(s) |  U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, St. Paul District |
| Dam and spillways | |
| Type of dam | Earthen |
| Impounds | Sheyenne River |
| Height | 60 ft. |
| Length | 1,800 ft. |
| Spillways | 3 tainter gates |
| Reservoir | |
| Creates | Lake Ashtabula |
| Total capacity | 156,000 acre-feet |
| Surface area | 5,234 acres |
| Maximum length | 27 mi. |
| Website U.S. Army Corps of Engineers - Baldhill Dam |
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Baldhill Dam is a large dam located in Barnes County, North Dakota. It is about 10 miles north of Valley City.
This important dam was built in 1951 by the United States Army Corps of Engineers. It is made of earth and concrete. The dam stands 60 feet tall and stretches 1,800 feet long. Its main jobs are to control floods and store water for farms. The Corps of Engineers manages the dam.
Contents
What is Baldhill Dam?
Baldhill Dam is a big structure that holds back the Sheyenne River. It has three special gates called tainter gates. These gates help control how much water flows through the dam. The dam creates a large lake behind it.
Lake Ashtabula: A Fun Place
The lake created by Baldhill Dam is called Lake Ashtabula. The name "Ashtabula" comes from a Native American word meaning "Fish River." This long, narrow lake stretches about 27 miles from north to south.
Lake Ashtabula Facts
- Lake Ashtabula covers a surface area of 5,234 acres.
- It can hold up to 156,000 acre-feet of water.
- Normally, it stores about 69,500 acre-feet of water.
Recreation at the Lake
Lake Ashtabula is a very popular spot for outdoor fun. Many people enjoy fishing here. The lake is home to different kinds of fish, including:
- Walleye
- Northern pike
- White bass
- Yellow perch
- Black bullheads
The Corps of Engineers takes care of seven special areas around the lake. These areas are perfect for visitors to enjoy the water and nature.
