Black Canyon Diversion Dam facts for kids
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The Black Canyon Diversion Dam is an important structure located in Gem County, Idaho. This dam helps control the Payette River. It plays a big role in providing water for farms and creating electricity for homes.
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What is the Black Canyon Diversion Dam?
The Black Canyon Diversion Dam is a large concrete dam. It was first built in 1924. Later, it was updated and rebuilt between 1951 and 1955. A government agency called the United States Bureau of Reclamation built and operates this dam.
How Big is the Dam?
This dam is quite impressive! It stands about 183 feet tall. That's like a building with more than 18 stories! The dam is also very long, stretching 1902 feet across the river. That's almost half a mile!
What Does the Dam Do?
The main jobs of the Black Canyon Diversion Dam are:
- Water for Farms: It holds back the Payette River to create a reservoir. Then, it sends water into special canals. These canals, like the Black Canyon and North Side Main canals, carry water to irrigate many farms. This helps crops grow in the area.
- Making Electricity: The dam also uses the flowing water to create electricity. This is called hydroelectric power. It can generate about 2 megawatts of power. This electricity helps power homes and businesses. This dam is part of a bigger plan called the Boise Project, which manages water in the region.
The Black Canyon Reservoir
Behind the dam, a large body of water forms. This is called the Black Canyon Reservoir. It's a beautiful place that stretches for about twelve miles along its shoreline.
Fun Activities at the Reservoir
The Black Canyon Reservoir is a great spot for outdoor fun! People love to visit for different activities:
- Boating: You can take a boat out on the water.
- Fishing: It's also a popular place for fishing.
Reservoir Size and Water Storage
The reservoir's surface covers about 1.7 square miles. When it was first built, it could hold a lot of water. Over time, some dirt and silt have collected at the bottom. This has slightly reduced how much water it can hold.
Future Power Plans
There are plans to make even more electricity at the dam. A new power-generating unit was added in 2013. This helps create more clean energy from the river's power.
