Kingsley Dam facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Kingsley Dam |
|
|---|---|
The outlet tower structure attached to Kingsley Dam used to release water from Lake McConaughy
|
|
| Country | United States |
| Location | Keith County, Nebraska |
| Coordinates | 41°13′23″N 101°40′20″W / 41.22306°N 101.67222°W |
| Opening date | 1941 |
| Dam and spillways | |
| Height | 162 feet (49 m) |
| Length | 3.1 miles (5.0 km) |
| Width (base) | 1,100 feet (340 m) |
| Spillways | Morning Glory Spillway |
| Reservoir | |
| Creates | Lake McConaughy |
| Total capacity | 1,740,000 acre-feet (2.15 km3) |
| Catchment area | North Platte River |
| Maximum water depth | 142 ft (43 m) |
| Power station | |
| Installed capacity | 50 MW |
The Kingsley Dam is a huge structure located in Keith County, Nebraska. It sits on the east side of Lake McConaughy, which is a very large lake. This dam is special because it's the second-largest hydraulic fill dam in the entire world! It was built a long time ago, in 1941, as part of a big government project called the New Deal.
Kingsley Dam is really big. It stands about 162 feet (49 m) tall, which is like a 16-story building. It stretches for about 3.1 miles (5.0 km) across the land, and its base is super wide, around 1,100 feet (340 m). On one side of the dam is Lake McConaughy, and on the other side is a smaller lake called Lake Ogallala. There's also a power plant nearby that uses the dam's water to make electricity.
Contents
What is Kingsley Dam?
Kingsley Dam is a massive wall built across a river. Its main job is to hold back water and create a large lake. This type of dam is called a hydraulic fill dam. This means it was built by using water to move and place huge amounts of sand and soil. Imagine giant water cannons spraying dirt into place! This method made it possible to build such a huge structure.
How Dams Help Us
Dams like Kingsley Dam are very important for many reasons:
- They create reservoirs (lakes) that store water. This water can be used for drinking, farming, and even for fun activities like boating and fishing.
- They help control floods by holding back extra water during heavy rains.
- They can generate electricity using the power of flowing water.
Lake McConaughy: Nebraska's Big Lake
Kingsley Dam created Lake McConaughy, which is the largest lake in Nebraska. It's often called "Big Mac" by locals. This lake holds a huge amount of water, about 1,740,000 acre-feet (2.15 km3). The water in Lake McConaughy comes from the North Platte River.
Fun at Lake McConaughy
Lake McConaughy is a popular spot for outdoor activities. People love to visit for:
- Boating and waterskiing
- Fishing for different kinds of fish
- Swimming and relaxing on the sandy beaches
- Camping and enjoying nature
Generating Power and Managing Water
One of the key features of Kingsley Dam is its ability to produce electricity. The Kingsley Hydroelectricity Plant is located right next to the dam.
How Hydroelectric Power Works
- Water from Lake McConaughy flows through large pipes called penstocks.
- This flowing water spins giant turbines, which are like big propellers.
- The spinning turbines power generators that create electricity.
- The Kingsley Hydroelectricity Plant can produce up to 50 megawatts (MW) of power. This is enough electricity to power many homes!
Releasing Water Safely
To manage the water levels in Lake McConaughy, there are special structures:
- Morning Glory Spillway: This looks like a giant concrete funnel. When the lake gets too full, water flows into this spillway and is safely released downstream.
- Outlet Tower: This tall structure stands in the lake near the dam. It has gates that can be opened to release water from different depths of the lake. This water then flows into Lake Ogallala and continues its journey down the river.
A Look Back: The New Deal Project
Kingsley Dam was built during a tough time in American history called the Great Depression. Many people were out of work. The government started a program called the New Deal to create jobs and build important projects.
Building for the Future
The construction of Kingsley Dam was a massive undertaking. It provided jobs for thousands of people. It also helped farmers by providing a reliable source of water for irrigation, which means watering crops. This helped the local economy and made the land more productive. The dam officially opened in 1941.
Who Takes Care of the Dam?
Managing a structure as big and important as Kingsley Dam requires a lot of work. Two main organizations are involved:
- The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission: This group helps manage the recreational areas around Lake McConaughy and Lake Ogallala, making sure people can enjoy the outdoors safely.
- The Central Nebraska Public Power and Irrigation District: This organization is responsible for operating the dam, managing the water, and producing hydroelectric power.
Kingsley Dam, along with Lake McConaughy, the hydroelectric plant, the Morning Glory Spillway, and the Outlet Tower, are all important landmarks in Nebraska. They provide water, power, and recreation for many people.
