Franklin Falls Dam facts for kids
The Franklin Falls Dam is a large dam built on the Pemigewasset River in Franklin, New Hampshire. It helps control floods and creates a big lake called a reservoir. This dam is an important part of managing water in the area.
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What is the Franklin Falls Dam?
The Franklin Falls Dam is a huge structure that stretches about 0.75 miles (1.2 kilometers) across the Pemigewasset River. It was built by the Army Corps of Engineers. Their job is to manage water resources and build things like dams.
Why Was the Dam Built?
The main reason for building the Franklin Falls Dam was to prevent floods. Rivers can sometimes overflow their banks, causing damage to homes and towns. The dam helps hold back extra water during heavy rains or snowmelt. This protects communities downstream from flooding.
Building the Dam: A Big Project
The construction of the Franklin Falls Dam began in 1939 and finished in 1943. It was a massive project that took several years to complete. Many people worked hard to build this important structure.
Moving a Town
During the dam's construction, the water levels behind it started to rise. This meant that the nearby town of Hill would be flooded. Because of this, the people living in Hill had to move their entire town to higher ground. It was a big change for the community.
The Franklin Falls Reservoir
The dam creates a large body of water called the Franklin Falls Reservoir. This reservoir acts like a giant bathtub, holding water from the river. It has a permanent pool of water that covers about 440 acres (178 hectares).
How Much Water Can it Hold?
When there's a lot of rain, the reservoir can hold even more water. Its total flood storage capacity is about 2,800 acres (1,133 hectares). The entire project area, including the reservoir and surrounding lands, covers about 3,683 acres (1,490 hectares). The river stretch that the dam can affect goes about 12.5 miles (20 kilometers) north to another dam called Ayers Island Dam. The water that flows into the dam comes from as far north as the White Mountains.
Fun Things to Do at Franklin Falls
The Franklin Falls Reservoir and the land around it are great places for outdoor activities. Many people visit to enjoy nature and have fun.
- Hiking and Mountain Biking: There are trails where you can walk or ride your bike.
- Fishing: You can try to catch fish in the reservoir.
- Kayaking: Paddling a kayak on the water is a popular activity.
- Hunting: In certain areas and seasons, hunting is allowed.
- Snowshoeing: During winter, you can explore the snowy landscape on snowshoes.
