Box Butte Dam facts for kids
The Box Butte Dam is a large dam located in the dry northwestern part of Dawes County, Nebraska. It helps control water and create a fun place for outdoor activities.
Building the Dam
The Box Butte Dam is an earthen dam, which means it's built mostly from soil, sand, and rock. It was constructed between 1941 and 1946 by the United States Bureau of Reclamation. This government agency helps manage water resources across the country.
The dam stands about 87 feet (26.5 meters) tall and stretches over a mile long, about 5,508 feet (1,679 meters) across its top.
Why the Dam Was Built
The main purpose of the Box Butte Dam is to control floods and store water for irrigation. It holds back the waters of the Niobrara River. This stored water is then used to help farmers grow crops in the Mirage Flats Project area. The dam does not produce electricity.
Box Butte Reservoir
The dam creates a large lake called the Box Butte Reservoir. This reservoir covers about 1,600 acres (6.5 square kilometers) of water. It has about 14 miles (22.5 kilometers) of shoreline, which is a great place to explore! The reservoir can hold a lot of water, about 31,060 acre-feet. An acre-foot is the amount of water needed to cover one acre of land one foot deep.
Fun Activities at the Reservoir
Box Butte Reservoir is a popular spot for many outdoor activities. You can enjoy:
- Fishing for different kinds of fish like northern pike, walleye, largemouth bass, yellow perch, and channel catfish.
- Hunting in designated areas.
- Boating on the lake.
- Camping with friends and family.
- Hiking along the beautiful shoreline.
The southern side of the lake is part of the Box Butte Reservoir State Recreation Area. This area offers even more opportunities for outdoor fun and relaxation.
