Enders Dam facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Enders Dam |
|
|---|---|
Outlet structure at Enders Dam
|
|
 Location in Nebraska
|
|
| Country | United States |
| Location | Chase County, Nebraska |
| Coordinates | 40°25′21″N 101°31′05″W / 40.42250°N 101.51806°W |
| Purpose | Water storage, flood control |
| Construction began | 1947 |
| Opening date | 1951 |
| Owner(s) | United States Bureau of Reclamation |
| Dam and spillways | |
| Type of dam | Earth fill dam |
| Impounds | Frenchman Creek |
| Reservoir | |
| Creates | Enders Reservoir |
Enders Dam is a large structure built in Chase County, Nebraska. It is located in the southwestern part of the state. This dam helps manage water in the area.
Contents
Building Enders Dam
Enders Dam was built a long time ago. Construction started in 1947 and finished in 1951. The dam was built by a group called the United States Bureau of Reclamation. This group helps manage water resources across the country.
Dam Size and Purpose
Enders Dam is an earthen dam. This means it is made mostly of earth, like dirt and rocks. It stands about 134 feet (41 meters) tall. The dam is also very long, stretching about 2,603 feet (793 meters) across.
The main job of Enders Dam is to control floods. It also stores water for irrigation. Irrigation is when water is supplied to farms to help crops grow. The dam holds back the waters of Frenchman Creek. This project is part of a bigger plan called the Pick-Sloan Missouri Basin Program. The Bureau of Reclamation still owns and operates the dam today.
Enders Reservoir
The dam creates a large body of water called Enders Reservoir. This reservoir is like a big lake. When it's full, the water covers about 2.5 square miles (6.5 square kilometers). It can hold a lot of water, about 34,500 acre-feet.
Fun at the Reservoir
Enders Reservoir is a popular spot for outdoor activities. The area around it is called the Enders Reservoir State Recreation Area. People enjoy coming here for many reasons.
- Fishing: Many different kinds of fish live in the reservoir.
- Hunting: The surrounding land is a good place for hunting.
- Other activities: People also come for boating, camping, and enjoying nature.
Water Levels and the Future
Over the years, the amount of water flowing into Frenchman Creek has changed. This has also affected the water levels in Enders Reservoir.
Why Water Levels Changed
Scientists believe the main reason for lower water levels is groundwater irrigation. Farmers use water from underground to water their crops. This can lower the water table. The water table is the level below the ground where the soil is completely filled with water. When the water table drops, it means less water flows into the springs that feed Frenchman Creek.
Protecting Nature and Fun
Because of the lower water levels, a decision was made. After 2002, water from the reservoir was no longer released for irrigation. This was done to help keep the reservoir full enough. It helps protect the animals and plants that live there. It also makes sure people can still enjoy fishing and other fun activities at the reservoir.
