Cold Springs Dam facts for kids
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Cold Springs Dam is a large earthen dam located about 7 miles (11 km) northeast of Hermiston, Oregon. It's in Umatilla County, Oregon, not far from the Columbia River.
This dam holds back the water of the Umatilla River. This creates a large body of water called Cold Springs Reservoir. The dam and reservoir are important parts of the Umatilla Basin Project. This project helps manage water for the region.
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Cold Springs Dam: A Key Water Project
What is Cold Springs Dam?
Cold Springs Dam is an "earthen dam." This means it's built mostly from compacted earth and rock. It stands about 105 feet (32 meters) tall. The reservoir it creates can hold a lot of water. It can store about 40,000 acre-feet (49 million cubic meters) of water.
Why Was It Built?
The dam was finished in 1908. It was one of the first big projects by the United States Bureau of Reclamation. This government agency helps manage water in the western United States. The main reason for building Cold Springs Dam was to provide water for farming. The area around Hermiston is very dry, like a desert. Farmers need water to grow their crops. The reservoir stores water from the Umatilla River. This water is then used to irrigate farms, especially during dry seasons.
Another dam, McKay Dam, was built nearby in 1927. It also helps manage water in the Umatilla Basin. Both dams work together to support local agriculture.
Cold Springs Reservoir and Wildlife
The Cold Springs Reservoir is more than just a water supply. It is also home to the Cold Springs National Wildlife Refuge. This refuge was created in 1909, just one year after the dam was finished. It provides a safe place for many kinds of birds and other wildlife. The reservoir's waters and surrounding lands offer important habitats.
