Dickinson Dam facts for kids
The Dickinson Dam is a large wall built across the Heart River in North Dakota. It's located about one and a half miles west of the town of Dickinson. This dam helps control water and creates a lake that people use for many important things.
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Building the Dickinson Dam
The Dickinson Dam is an earthen dam, which means it's made mostly of earth and rock. The United States Bureau of Reclamation finished building it in May 1950. It stands 65 feet tall and stretches 2275 feet across the river. In 1981, the dam was made even stronger. They added a special part called an auxiliary spillway with bascule gates. These gates help control how much water flows out of the dam safely.
Edward Arthur Patterson Lake
The dam creates a large body of water that was first called the Dickinson Reservoir. In 1959, it was renamed Edward Arthur Patterson Lake. This lake holds about 8,612 acre-feet of water. An acre-foot is the amount of water needed to cover one acre of land with water one foot deep.
What the Lake is Used For
The water from Edward Arthur Patterson Lake is very important for the area. It is used for:
- Farming: Water is sent to farms to help crops grow. This is called agricultural irrigation.
- Flood Control: The dam helps stop floods by holding back extra water during heavy rains.
- City Water: The lake provides water for the town of Dickinson.
No electricity is made at this dam. The lake covers about 1,190 acres and has 22 miles of shoreline.
Fun at the Lake
Edward Arthur Patterson Lake is also a great place for outdoor activities! People can enjoy:
- Camping
- Fishing
- Boating
