Lock and Dam No. 10 facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Lock and Dam No. 10 |
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Mississippi River Lock and Dam number 10
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 Location of Lock and Dam No. 10 in Iowa
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| Location | Guttenberg, Clayton County, Iowa / Glen Haven, Grant County, Wisconsin, USA |
| Coordinates | 42°47′06″N 91°05′42″W / 42.78500°N 91.09500°W |
| Construction began | 1934 |
| Opening date | November 1937 |
| Operator(s) |  U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, St. Paul District |
| Dam and spillways | |
| Impounds | Upper Mississippi River |
| Length | 5,447 feet (1,660.2 m) |
| Reservoir | |
| Creates | Pool 10 |
| Total capacity | 212,000 acre⋅ft (0.261 km3) |
| Catchment area | 79,370 sq mi (205,600 km2) |
Lock and Dam No. 10 is a special structure on the Upper Mississippi River. It helps boats travel safely along the river. This lock and dam is located near Guttenberg, Iowa. It sits around river mile 615.0, which is like a specific address on the river.
The structure was built and started working in November 1937. Later, from 1989 to 2006, it went through big repairs and updates. This made sure it could keep working well for many more years. The United States Army Corps of Engineers operates and takes care of this important river system.
Contents
What is a Lock and Dam?
A lock and dam system helps boats move between different water levels on a river. Imagine a staircase for boats!
The Dam
The dam part of Lock and Dam No. 10 is like a wall across the river. It helps to control the water level. This dam is 763 feet (232.6 m) long. It has four large roller gates and eight tainter gates. These gates can be opened or closed to let water through. This helps manage the river's flow.
There's also a long earth wall, called an embankment, that is 4,223 feet (1,287.2 m) long. It has a concrete spillway that is 1,200 feet (365.8 m) long. A spillway is a channel that allows water to flow over or around the dam.
The Lock
The lock is like a giant elevator for boats. It lets boats go up or down to match the water level on the other side of the dam. The lock at Lock and Dam No. 10 is 110 feet (33.5 m) wide and 600 feet (182.9 m) long.
Here's how a lock works:
- A boat enters the lock chamber.
- Big gates close behind it.
- If the boat needs to go up, water fills the chamber.
- If the boat needs to go down, water drains out.
- Once the water level matches, the front gates open.
- The boat can then continue its journey.
This system allows barges and other boats to travel smoothly along the Mississippi River.
Who Manages the Lock and Dam?
The Lock and Dam No. 10 is owned and operated by the United States Army Corps of Engineers. Specifically, it's managed by their St. Paul District. The Army Corps of Engineers is a part of the U.S. Army. They are responsible for many important public works projects. This includes building and maintaining dams, locks, and other structures. Their work helps with navigation, flood control, and protecting the environment.
Friends of Pool 10
The dam creates a section of the river called Pool 10. This area is important for wildlife and recreation. A group called "Friends of Pool 10" is a volunteer organization. They are dedicated to keeping this part of the river clean. They work to clean up the sloughs (slow-moving water areas), backwaters (areas connected to the main river but with less current), and islands in Pool 10. Their first yearly cleanup event was held in April 2007.
Images for kids
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Public Works Administration Project, Army Corps of Engineers, Dam.
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