Glendo Reservoir facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Glendo Dam |
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Glendo Dam in the Glendo State Park (2002)
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| Location | Platte / Converse counties, Wyoming, USA |
| Coordinates | 42°28′47″N 104°56′54″W / 42.4797°N 104.9483°W |
| Construction began | 1954 |
| Opening date | 1958 |
| Operator(s) | U.S. Bureau of Reclamation |
| Dam and spillways | |
| Impounds | North Platte River |
| Height | 190 feet (58 m) |
| Length | 2,096 feet (639 m) |
| Reservoir | |
| Creates | Glendo Reservoir |
| Power station | |
| Installed capacity | 38 MW |
| Annual generation | 57,707,000 KWh |
Glendo Reservoir is a large lake in Wyoming, USA. It was created by building the Glendo Dam across the North Platte River. This impressive dam is about 2,096 feet (639 meters) long and 190 feet (58 meters) tall! The reservoir can hold a huge amount of water, which is mainly used to help farmers water their crops and to prevent floods. It also helps make electricity for homes and businesses.
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Discovering Glendo Dam and Reservoir
Glendo Dam and its reservoir are located in Platte and Converse counties in Wyoming. The dam was built by the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation and finished in 1958. It's an "earthfill" dam, meaning it's made mostly of compacted earth and rock.
What is Glendo Dam?
Glendo Dam is a very important structure that holds back the waters of the North Platte River. It's like a giant wall that creates the Glendo Reservoir behind it. The dam is 190 feet (58 meters) high, which is taller than a 15-story building! It stretches for 2,096 feet (639 meters) across the river valley.
Why Glendo Reservoir is Important
The main jobs of Glendo Dam and Reservoir are to help with irrigation and flood control.
- Irrigation: The water stored in the reservoir is released when needed to water crops in nearby farmlands. This helps farmers grow food, even during dry times.
- Flood Control: When there's a lot of rain or melting snow, the dam can hold back excess water. This prevents the river from overflowing its banks and causing floods in towns and farms downstream.
The dam also has two special machines called hydroelectric turbines. These turbines use the force of the water flowing through the dam to generate electricity. They can produce 38 megawatts of power, which is enough to power many homes!
Fun Times at Glendo State Park
Glendo Reservoir is completely surrounded by Glendo State Park, making it a popular spot for outdoor activities. Many people visit the park to enjoy the water and nature.
- Water Sports: The reservoir is a great place for boating, waterskiing, and swimming. On a hot day, it's perfect for cooling off!
- Fishing: Anglers love to fish in Glendo Reservoir. You can find different kinds of fish here, making it a fun challenge for fishing enthusiasts.
- Camping and Hiking: The state park also offers places to camp and trails for hiking, allowing visitors to explore the beautiful Wyoming landscape.
