Lake W. R. Holway facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Lake W. R. Holway Dam |
|
|---|---|
| Country | United States |
| Location | Mayes County, Oklahoma |
| Construction began | 1968 |
| Opening date | 1968 |
| Dam and spillways | |
| Type of dam | earth and rock |
| Elevation at crest | 200 ft (61 m) |
| Reservoir | |
| Creates | Lake W. R. Holway (Chimney Rock Lake) |
| Total capacity | 50,372 acre⋅ft (62,133,000 m3) |
| Surface area | 762 acres (308 ha) |
| Maximum water depth | 182 ft (55 m) |
Lake W. R. Holway, also known as Chimney Rock Lake, is a special lake in Mayes County, Oklahoma. It's connected to a bigger lake called Lake Hudson (Oklahoma). This lake was built in 1968 by the Grand River Dam Authority (GRDA).
It's a very important part of something called the Salina Pumped Storage Project. The lake is located near the towns of Locust Grove and Salina, Oklahoma. It was first named Chimney Rock Lake. In 1981, it was renamed to honor W. R. Holway. He was an engineer who helped build many important projects, like the Spavinaw Water Project and Pensacola Dam.
The main reason Lake W. R. Holway exists is to help make electricity. It's used for "peak power generation." This means it helps create extra electricity when people need it most, like during hot summer afternoons.
The lake covers about 712 acres, which is like 712 football fields! It has a shoreline that stretches for 21 miles.
In 2009, experts measured the lake very carefully. They found that when the lake is at its normal level, it has:
- An area of 762 acres
- A total water volume of 50,372 acre-feet
- An average depth of 66.1 feet
- A maximum depth of 182 feet
How the Lake Was Made
Lake W. R. Holway was created as a key part of the Salina Pumped Storage Project. This project is a special way to generate electricity. It uses two lakes at different heights.
When there's not much demand for electricity, water is pumped from a lower lake to an upper lake, like Lake W. R. Holway. Then, when a lot of electricity is needed, the water is released from the upper lake. It flows downhill through turbines, which are like giant spinning fans. This spinning creates electricity.
Fun Things to Do at the Lake
Lake W. R. Holway is a popular spot for fishing! Many people come here to catch different kinds of fish. You might find bass, crappie, and catfish in its waters.
However, the GRDA has some rules to keep everyone safe and protect the lake. You are not allowed to swim in Lake W. R. Holway. Also, boats with gasoline engines are not permitted on the lake. These rules help keep the water clean and safe for its main purpose of power generation.
More Information
- "Hydrographic Survey of W. R. Holway Reservoir". Oklahoma Water Resources Board. August 12, 2009.
