List of dams and reservoirs in Alaska facts for kids
Alaska is a huge state with lots of water! It has about 67 man-made lakes, called reservoirs. These are lakes created by building a dam. Alaska also has around 167 named dams.
Besides these, Alaska is home to about 3,197 officially named natural lakes. But get this – there are over 3,000,000 natural lakes that don't even have names! That's a lot of water!
If you want to learn more about the natural lakes, you can check out the list of lakes of Alaska.
Contents
What are Dams and Reservoirs?
A dam is a big barrier built across a river or stream. It holds back water, creating a lake behind it. This man-made lake is called a reservoir.
Why Do We Build Dams?
People build dams for many important reasons:
- Storing water: Reservoirs hold water for drinking, farming, and for cities to use.
- Making electricity: Many dams have power plants that use the force of falling water to create electricity. This is called hydroelectric power.
- Controlling floods: Dams can help stop rivers from overflowing their banks during heavy rains or melting snow.
- Recreation: Reservoirs are great places for boating, fishing, and swimming!
Some Interesting Dams and Reservoirs in Alaska
Alaska has many dams and reservoirs, each with its own purpose. Here are a few examples from around the state:
Dams for Power and Water
- Blue Lake Dam in Sitka helps create electricity for the city. The water from Blue Lake is used for power and drinking.
- The Eklutna Dam near Anchorage is part of a big project that provides drinking water and power to the area. Eklutna Lake is a large, beautiful reservoir.
- The Snettisham Dam near Juneau is another important dam for hydroelectric power, helping to light up homes and businesses.
Dams for Flood Control
- The Chena River Lakes Dam near Fairbanks is a special dam built to protect the city from floods. It can hold back a lot of water when the Chena River gets too high.
Dams for Fishing and Industry
- Many dams in Alaska, like the Alaska Packers Association Chignik Dam and the Peter Pan Seafoods Chignik Dam, were built to help the fishing industry. They can control water levels for salmon runs.
- Some smaller dams, like the Aquaculture Dam in Valdez-Cordova, might be used for fish farming.
Where are Alaska's Dams and Reservoirs?
You can find dams and reservoirs all over Alaska, from the far-off Aleutian Islands to the busy cities of Anchorage and Juneau. They are in different types of areas, from coastal towns to inland regions.
Examples by Region
- Southcentral Alaska: You'll find dams like the Campbell Lake Dam in Anchorage and the Cooper Lake Dam on the Kenai Peninsula. These help with city water and power.
- Southeast Alaska: Cities like Ketchikan and Sitka have dams such as the Ketchikan Lakes Dam and Blue Lake Dam for their water and electricity needs.
- Interior Alaska: The Chena River Lakes Dam is a key feature in the Fairbanks area, protecting it from floods.
- Aleutian Islands: Even remote islands like Adak and Atka have small dams, like the Adak Log Dam and Atka Power Dam, often for local power or water supply.
This list is just a small peek at the many dams and reservoirs that help Alaska's communities every day!
See also
