Deer Creek Dam and Reservoir facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Deer Creek Reservoir |
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 Deer Creek Reservoir
Location in Utah
Deer Creek Reservoir
Location in the United States
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| Location | Wasatch County, Utah |
| Coordinates | 40°24′24″N 111°31′37″W / 40.40667°N 111.52694°W |
| Type | reservoir |
| Primary inflows | Provo River |
| Primary outflows | Provo River |
| Catchment area | 1,870 km2 (720 sq mi) |
| Basin countries | United States |
| Max. length | 9.1 km (5.7 mi) |
| Max. width | 1.8 km (1.1 mi) |
| Surface area | 12 km2 (4.6 sq mi) |
| Water volume | 1 km (0.62 mi) |
| Residence time | 1.3 year |
| Shore length1 | 1 km (0.62 mi) |
| Surface elevation | 1,651 m (5,417 ft) |
| Islands | 1 |
| Settlements | 1 |
| 1 Shore length is not a well-defined measure. | |
The Deer Creek Dam and Reservoir are important structures located on the Provo River in Wasatch County, Utah, United States. They are about 16 miles (26 km) northeast of Provo, Utah. This area is a popular spot for many outdoor activities.
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Deer Creek Reservoir: A Utah Gem
Deer Creek Reservoir is a large, man-made lake in Utah. It was created by building a dam across the Provo River. This reservoir is very important for providing water to nearby communities and farms. It's also a fantastic place for people to enjoy nature and water sports.
What is Deer Creek Reservoir?
A reservoir is like a giant storage tank for water. Deer Creek Reservoir holds a lot of water, about 152,570 acre-feet. An acre-foot is the amount of water needed to cover one acre of land with water one foot deep. This water is used for many things, like drinking water for cities, watering crops for farmers, and for factories.
Building the Dam
The Deer Creek Dam is a big structure made of earth. It stands about 235 feet (72 meters) tall and is 1,304 feet (397 meters) long across the top. Building this dam was a huge project! It started in May 1938 and was finished in 1941. The dam holds back the water to form the reservoir.
The dam also has special equipment that can generate hydroelectricity. This means it uses the power of moving water to create electricity.
Fun at the Reservoir
Deer Creek Reservoir is the main attraction of Deer Creek State Park. It's a favorite spot for many fun activities. You can go boating, water skiing, and swimming in the water. Many people also enjoy fishing here. If you like staying on land, there are places for camping too.
Fish and Wildlife
The reservoir is home to many different kinds of fish. If you go fishing, you might catch Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout, Yellow Perch, Walleye, or Common Carp. It's a great place for anglers of all ages.
Managing the Water
The Deer Creek Dam is a key part of something called the Provo River Project. This project is managed by the U.S. Department of the Interior's Bureau of Reclamation. Their job is to manage water resources for the benefit of people and the environment. They make sure there's enough water for everyone who needs it and that the reservoir is well-maintained.
