Bull Lake Dam facts for kids
The Bull Lake Dam is an important structure located in Fremont County, Wyoming. It sits within the Wind River Indian Reservation. This dam helps manage water for many people and farms in the area.
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Building the Dam
The Bull Lake Dam is a large dam made mostly of earth. It was built a long time ago, between 1936 and 1938. A government agency called the United States Bureau of Reclamation constructed it. This agency helps build and manage water projects across the country. The dam stands about 81 feet tall, which is like an eight-story building!
Why Was It Built?
The main reason for building the Bull Lake Dam was to control the water from Bull Lake Creek. It holds back the creek's water to create a large storage area. This stored water is used for two main purposes:
- Irrigation: This means providing water to farms so that crops can grow, especially in dry areas.
- Flood Control: The dam also helps prevent floods by holding back extra water during heavy rains or snowmelt. This protects homes and land downstream.
The dam is still owned by the Bureau of Reclamation. However, a local group called the Midvale Irrigation District helps operate it every day.
Bull Lake Reservoir
When the dam holds back the water, it creates a large artificial lake called the Bull Lake Reservoir. This reservoir was named because it made an already existing smaller natural lake much bigger.
How Big Is It?
The Bull Lake Reservoir can hold a huge amount of water. It has a capacity of about 151,737 acre-feet. To give you an idea, one acre-foot is enough water to cover one acre of land (about the size of a football field) with water one foot deep. So, this reservoir holds a massive amount of water!
Fun at the Reservoir
The reservoir isn't just for water storage. It's also a great place for outdoor activities. Many people enjoy going there for fishing. It's a peaceful spot to spend time outdoors.
Where Did the Name Come From?
The name "Bull Lake" has an interesting origin. It comes from the Shoshone language. The Shoshone word for the lake is "Baa Guchuna Yagait." This literally means "Water Buffalo Crier." It refers to a place where a buffalo might have cried or bellowed. This name connects the lake to the history and culture of the Shoshone people who live in the area.
