Green Peter Reservoir facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Green Peter Reservoir |
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 Green Peter Reservoir
Location in Oregon
Green Peter Reservoir
Location in the United States
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| Location | Linn County, Oregon, United States |
| Coordinates | 44°27′07″N 122°32′49″W / 44.452068°N 122.547027°W |
| Type | Reservoir |
| Catchment area | 277 sq mi (720 km2) |
| Basin countries | United States |
| Max. length | 10 mi (16 km) |
| Surface area | 3,720 acres (1,510 ha) |
| Average depth | 114 ft (35 m) |
| Max. depth | 315 ft (96 m) |
| Water volume | 430,000 acre⋅ft (530,000 dam3) |
| Residence time | 4.8 months |
| Shore length1 | 48 mi (77 km) |
| Surface elevation | 1,015 ft (309 m) |
| 1 Shore length is not a well-defined measure. | |
Green Peter Reservoir is a large, human-made lake located in Linn County, Oregon, United States. It was created by building the Green Peter Dam across the Middle Santiam River. This reservoir is about 10 miles (16 km) long and covers a huge area when full. It serves many important purposes, from making electricity to providing fun outdoor activities.
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Exploring Green Peter Reservoir
Green Peter Reservoir is a significant body of water in Oregon. It was formed when the Green Peter Dam was completed on the Middle Santiam River. This happened about 11 miles (18 km) northeast of Sweet Home, Oregon. The reservoir is quite large, covering about 3,720 acres (1,505 hectares) when it's full. That's an area bigger than 2,800 football fields!
The reservoir holds a massive amount of water, around 430,000 acre-feet. Its deepest point reaches about 315 feet (96 meters). The water in the reservoir is used for several key reasons. These include generating hydropower, helping to manage flood risks, and improving water quality. It also provides water for irrigation and serves as a vital home for fish and other wildlife.
Fun Things to Do: Recreation!
Green Peter Reservoir is a popular spot for outdoor adventures. There are several parks and access points where you can enjoy the water and nature. These areas are managed by Linn County Parks and Recreation.
Whitcomb Creek Park
Whitcomb Creek Park is a large, natural park covering 328 acres (133 hectares). It offers 77 basic campsites for tents or RVs. There are also 4 pull-through sites, which are easy for larger vehicles. The park has a boat ramp, making it simple to launch your boat onto the reservoir. For bigger groups, there's a separate group camping area that can hold up to 100 people. It's a great place for a family camping trip or a gathering with friends.
Thistle Creek Boat Ramp
On the north side of the reservoir, you'll find the Thistle Creek Boat Ramp. This ramp is open all year round, which is great for boaters. In 1999, the boat ramp was made longer. This means that even when the water level is low in winter, you can still easily get your boat into the reservoir.
Quartzville Group Camp
If you're planning a large group outing, the Quartzville Group Camp is available to rent. It's located about 16 miles (26 km) up Quartzville Drive. This camp provides a dedicated space for bigger groups to enjoy the outdoors together.
