Gerber Dam facts for kids
Gerber Dam is a special kind of wall built across a river. It's made of concrete and shaped like an arch. You can find it in Klamath County, Oregon, about 14 miles east of a town called Bonanza, Oregon. It's also not too far from the border with California.
This dam helps store water for farms in the area. It creates a large lake behind it, which is also a fun place for people to visit.
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What is Gerber Dam?
Gerber Dam is a type of dam called a concrete arch dam. Imagine a giant curved wall that holds back water. That's what an arch dam looks like! It was finished in 1925. The dam is 84 feet tall, which is about as tall as an eight-story building. It stretches 460 feet across the land, which is longer than a football field.
Why Was the Dam Built?
The main reason Gerber Dam was built was to store water for irrigation. Irrigation means bringing water to farm fields so crops can grow, especially in dry areas. The dam does not make electricity, which is called hydroelectric power. Its only job is to collect and hold water.
The dam also helps control the amount of water flowing into the Tule Lake National Wildlife Refuge in California. This refuge is a protected area for animals, especially birds.
Building Gerber Dam
The dam was built by a group called the United States Bureau of Reclamation. This government agency plans and builds dams, power plants, and canals. They help manage water resources in the western United States. They completed Gerber Dam in 1925 as part of a bigger plan.
The Klamath Project
Gerber Dam is an important part of something called the Klamath Project. This project is a large system of dams, canals, and reservoirs. It helps manage water for farming, wildlife, and people in the Klamath River basin. The project aims to make sure there's enough water for everyone who needs it.
Gerber Reservoir
When Gerber Dam holds back the water from Miller Creek, it creates a large lake called Gerber Reservoir. This reservoir can hold a huge amount of water. It holds about 94,300 acre-feet of water. An acre-foot is the amount of water needed to cover one acre of land with water one foot deep. That's a lot of water!
The reservoir is also a popular spot for outdoor activities. People enjoy fishing, boating, and camping there. It's a great place to spend time outdoors.
