Blackwater Dam facts for kids
- For the dam and lake in Scotland, see Blackwater Reservoir
The Blackwater Dam is a special kind of wall built across the Blackwater River in Webster, which is in Merrimack County, New Hampshire. It helps control water and protect the area.
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What is the Blackwater Dam?
The Blackwater Dam is an earthen dam. This means it's built mostly from earth, like soil, sand, and rock, rather than concrete. It was finished in 1941.
Who Built the Dam?
The dam was built by the United States Army Corps of Engineers. This is a part of the United States Army that helps with engineering projects. They build and manage many important structures, like dams, to protect communities.
How Big is the Dam?
The Blackwater Dam is about 69 feet (21 m) (21 meters) tall. It stretches for about 1,150 feet (350 m) (350 meters) across the river. That's longer than three football fields!
Why Was the Blackwater Dam Built?
The main reason the Blackwater Dam was built was for flood control. This means it helps stop rivers from overflowing their banks during heavy rains or melting snow.
Protecting Against Floods
The dam holds back water from the Blackwater River. This stops too much water from flowing downstream all at once. It's like a giant bathtub that can store extra water. This helps protect homes and towns from getting flooded.
Part of a Bigger Plan
The Blackwater Dam is one of five similar projects. These projects all work together in the Merrimack River area. Their goal is to manage water flow and prevent floods across a larger region.
The Blackwater Dam's Reservoir
The dam creates a special area behind it called a reservoir. This reservoir can hold a lot of water, up to about 93,400 acre-feet (120 million cubic meters).
A Mostly Dry Lake
Unlike many dams that create a permanent lake, the Blackwater Dam's reservoir is usually dry. It only fills up when there's a lot of rain or snowmelt. This makes it a "seasonal flood-control reservoir." Most of the time, you'll just see the normal flow of the Blackwater River.
Fun Things to Do at Blackwater Dam
Even though the reservoir is often dry, the area around the Blackwater Dam is a great place for outdoor activities.
River Adventures
There are about 8 miles (13 km) (13 kilometers) of river near the dam. This part of the river is very popular for:
- Canoeing and Kayaking: People love to paddle along the river.
- Fishing: You can often catch brown and rainbow trout here.
So, the Blackwater Dam is not just an important structure for safety. It's also a place where people can enjoy nature and outdoor sports!
