Crooked Creek Lake Recreation Area facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Crooked Creek Lake |
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 Crooked Creek Lake
Location in Pennsylvania
Crooked Creek Lake
Location in the United States
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| Location | Armstrong County, Pennsylvania |
| Coordinates | 40°41′56″N 79°29′56″W / 40.699°N 79.499°W |
| Type | reservoir |
| Basin countries | United States |
The Crooked Creek Lake Recreation Area is a cool place in Armstrong County, Pennsylvania. It's managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, which is a government group that builds and takes care of important projects like dams. This area surrounds Crooked Creek Lake, which isn't a natural lake but a reservoir. A reservoir is like a giant, man-made lake built to store water.
The lake was created when the Crooked Creek Dam was built. This dam was planned because of special laws passed in 1936 and 1938, called the Flood Control Acts. The main reason for building the dam and creating the lake was to help control floods. It helps protect the areas along the Allegheny River basin, which is the land where water flows into the Allegheny River. Before it became a recreation area, this spot was actually a Pennsylvania state park called Crooked Creek State Park.
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What is Crooked Creek Lake?
Crooked Creek Lake is a large body of water in Armstrong County, Pennsylvania. It's not a natural lake, but a special kind of lake called a reservoir. Reservoirs are built by people, usually by putting a dam across a river or stream. They are very important for storing water and helping to manage water flow.
Why Was the Lake Created?
The main reason Crooked Creek Lake was made was to stop floods. In the 1930s, the United States government passed laws to help control flooding. These laws led to the building of the Crooked Creek Dam. The dam helps to manage the water levels in the Allegheny River and its surrounding areas. This protects homes and towns from being flooded, especially after heavy rains or snowmelt.
Who Manages the Area?
The Crooked Creek Lake Recreation Area is managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. This is a part of the U.S. Army, but they do a lot of civilian work. They are experts at building and maintaining dams, waterways, and other public works projects. Their job at Crooked Creek Lake is to make sure the dam works properly for flood control. They also help keep the recreation area safe and fun for visitors.
History of the Area
Before Crooked Creek Lake was created, the land was a natural valley. The idea to build a dam here came about to protect people from floods. Once the dam was built, the valley filled with water, creating the lake we see today. For a while, the area was even a Pennsylvania state park. Now, it's a popular spot for outdoor activities, thanks to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
