List of dams and reservoirs in Missouri facts for kids
Dams are like giant walls built across rivers. They hold back water to create a large lake called a reservoir. These structures are super important! They help us in many ways, like making electricity, controlling floods, and providing water for cities. They also create fun places for boating and fishing. Missouri has many important dams and reservoirs that serve these purposes.
The government keeps a list of "major dams." A dam is considered major if it's at least 50 feet (about 15 meters) tall and can hold a lot of water. This amount is equal to about 5,000 football fields filled with water! Or, a dam can be major if it holds an even larger amount of water, like 25,000 football fields worth, no matter its height. These big dams are very important for managing water resources.
Important Dams and Reservoirs in Missouri
Many of Missouri's large dams and reservoirs are managed by the United States Army Corps of Engineers. This group, often called USACE, is part of the U.S. Army. They do a lot of work for civilians, like building and managing dams, canals, and flood protection systems.
Here are some of the key dams and reservoirs in Missouri:
- Bagnell Dam created the famous Lake of the Ozarks. This dam helps make electricity for many homes and businesses. It is managed by AmerenUE.
- Bull Shoals Lake is a large lake that stretches from Missouri into Arkansas. It is managed by the USACE.
- Clarence Cannon Dam holds back the water for Mark Twain Lake. This lake is a popular spot for fishing and boating. It is managed by the USACE.
- Clearwater Dam forms Clearwater Lake. This dam helps control floods in the area. It is managed by the USACE.
- Fellows Lake Dam created Fellows Lake. This lake provides drinking water for the city of Springfield, Missouri.
- The Mississippi River has several important locks and dams in Missouri. These include Lock and Dam No. 20, Lock and Dam No. 21, Lock and Dam No. 22, Lock and Dam No. 24, and Lock and Dam No. 25. There was also a historic one, Lock and Dam No. 26 (historical). These structures help boats travel safely along the river. They are all managed by the USACE.
- The Melvin Price Locks and Dam is another important structure on the Mississippi River. It helps with river navigation. It is managed by the USACE.
- Long Branch Dam creates Long Branch Lake. This lake is used for flood control and recreation. It is managed by the USACE.
- Pomme de Terre Dam forms Pomme de Terre Lake. This lake is known for its fishing and outdoor activities. It is managed by the USACE.
- Powersite Dam created Lake Taneycomo. This dam helps produce electricity. It is managed by the Empire District Electric Company.
- Smithville Dam holds back the water for Smithville Lake. This lake is used for flood control and recreation. It is managed by the USACE.
- Stockton Dam forms Stockton Lake. This large lake is popular for boating, fishing, and camping. It is managed by the USACE.
- Table Rock Dam created the very popular Table Rock Lake. This dam helps control floods and generate electricity. It is managed by the USACE.
- Harry S. Truman Dam forms the Truman Reservoir. This large dam helps with flood control and power generation. It is managed by the USACE.
- Wappapello Dam created Lake Wappapello. This lake is important for flood control in the region. It is managed by the USACE.
