Jennings Randolph Lake facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Jennings Randolph Lake |
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Jennings Randolph Lake in 2005.
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 Jennings Randolph Lake
Location in West Virginia
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| Location | Garrett County, Maryland / Mineral County, West Virginia, United States |
| Coordinates | 39°25′57″N 79°07′18″W / 39.432595°N 79.121699°W |
| Type | reservoir |
| Primary inflows | North Branch Potomac River |
| Primary outflows | North Branch Potomac River |
| Basin countries | United States |
| Max. length | 6.6 miles (10.6 km) |
| Surface area | 952 acres (3.85 km2) |
| Max. depth | 296 feet (90 m) |
| Surface elevation | 1,460 feet (450 m) |
Jennings Randolph Lake is a large reservoir, which is like a big artificial lake. It covers about 952 acres (3.85 square kilometers) and is located on the North Branch Potomac River. This lake is found in both Garrett County, Maryland and Mineral County, West Virginia. It's about eight miles (13 km) upstream from Bloomington, Maryland, and five miles (8 km) north of Elk Garden, West Virginia.
Contents
Building Jennings Randolph Lake
Why Was This Lake Built?
The United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) built Jennings Randolph Lake. This group helps manage water projects across the U.S. A law passed in 1962 gave them permission to build it. The lake was first called "Bloomington Dam."
In 1987, it was renamed to honor Jennings Randolph. He was a US Senator from West Virginia who helped a lot with water projects. Building the lake finished in 1981. When it was built, a small town called Shaw, West Virginia was flooded. A road, West Virginia Route 46, also had to be moved.
How the Lake Helps Everyone
Jennings Randolph Lake is very important for several reasons. It helps to control floods downstream, meaning it stops too much water from causing damage. It also provides a source of water for towns and businesses further down the river.
The lake also helps improve the water quality of the river. It collects dirty water from old coal mines upstream, making the river cleaner below the dam. The lake is also a backup reservoir for the Washington, D.C. area in case they need more water.
The lake is about 5.5 miles (8.9 km) long and covers 952 acres (3.85 square kilometers) when it's full. It controls water from an area of 263 square miles (681 square kilometers). The Corps of Engineers manages the lake, and the Interstate Commission on the Potomac River Basin helps coordinate its use for water supply.
Making Electricity from Water
Future Plans for Power
There are plans to build a hydroelectric facility at the dam. This means using the power of the water flowing through the dam to create electricity. In 2008, a company called Fairlawn Hydroelectric Company suggested this idea.
In 2012, they received a license to build a facility that could make 14 megawatts of electricity. As of 2016, the company was still working to get all the necessary permits to start building the project.
Fun Things to Do at the Lake
Jennings Randolph Lake offers many fun activities for visitors. Here are some of the places you can enjoy:
- Howell Run Picnic Area
- Howell Run Boat Launch
- Robert W. Craig Campground
- Shaw Beach
- West Virginia Overlook
- Maryland Overlook
- Maryland Boat Launch
