Iron Canyon Dam facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Iron Canyon Dam |
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|---|---|
| Country | United States |
| Location | Shasta County, California |
| Coordinates | 41°02′30″N 121°59′06″W / 41.04180°N 121.98488°W |
| Purpose | Power |
| Opening date | 1965 |
| Operator(s) | Pacific Gas and Electric Company |
| Dam and spillways | |
| Type of dam | Earth fill dam |
| Height | 214 feet |
| Length | 1038 feet |
The Iron Canyon Dam is a large dam located in Shasta County, California. It was built in 1965 by the Pacific Gas and Electric Company, often called PG&E. This dam helps create electricity for many homes and businesses.
The dam is made of earth and rocks, standing 214 feet tall and stretching 1038 feet long at its top. Its main job is to hold back the water of Iron Canyon Creek. This water then flows to a special building called the James Black Powerhouse. This powerhouse is very important because it uses the water to make a lot of electricity, about 270 megawatts!
Iron Canyon Reservoir: A Great Place to Visit
The dam creates a big lake called the Iron Canyon Reservoir. This reservoir is surrounded by the beautiful Shasta-Trinity National Forest. It covers an area of 510 acres and has about 15 miles of shoreline. The reservoir holds a huge amount of water, which is important for making power.
The Iron Canyon Reservoir is also a popular spot for outdoor fun! You can go fishing for trout in its clear waters. It's also a good place for hunting, camping, and hiking. Many people enjoy spending time outdoors here.
How Water Moves Through the System
The water for the Iron Canyon Reservoir comes from far away. It starts at the McCloud River, near Lake McCloud. This is about 20 miles south of Mount Shasta. From there, the water travels through a long tunnel to reach the Iron Canyon Reservoir.
After the reservoir, the water goes through another tunnel. This second tunnel leads directly to the James B. Black Powerhouse. Once the water has helped make electricity, it flows out into the Pit River. This happens at the upper part of Pit Six Reservoir. It's a clever system that uses water to create power!
