Lake Spaulding Dam facts for kids
The Lake Spaulding Dam is a large dam located in Nevada County, California. It was built to help create electricity using the power of water.
This dam is owned and run by Pacific Gas & Electric, a company that provides power. The dam is about 275 feet (84 meters) tall. It was finished in 1913. When it was first built, it was the tallest dam in California!
The dam holds back the South Fork of the Yuba River. This river starts near a place called Donner Pass. To build the dam, a temporary town called Camp Spaulding, California was set up for all the workers.
The water held back by the dam forms a big lake called Lake Spaulding. This lake can hold a lot of water – about 74,773 acre-feet. Lake Spaulding is a popular spot for fun activities like camping, boating, fishing, and even underwater diving.
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Building the Dam
The Lake Spaulding Dam was a big project for its time. It was designed to help create clean energy from water. This type of energy is called hydroelectric power.
How Hydroelectric Power Works
Hydroelectric power uses the force of falling water to spin large machines called turbines. These turbines are connected to generators, which then make electricity. It's a way to turn the natural movement of water into power for homes and businesses.
Lake Spaulding: A Place for Fun
Lake Spaulding is more than just a source of power. It's also a beautiful place where people can enjoy the outdoors.
Activities at the Lake
- Camping: Many people come to Lake Spaulding to set up tents and enjoy nature.
- Boating: You can take boats out on the lake for fun or to explore.
- Fishing: The lake is home to different kinds of fish, making it a great spot for anglers.
- Diving: Some people even go underwater diving in the clear waters of Lake Spaulding.
