Lock and Dam No. 3 facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Lock and Dam No. 3 |
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Mississippi River Lock and Dam No. 3
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 Location of Lock and Dam No. 3 in Minnesota
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| Location | Red Wing, Goodhue County, Minnesota / Diamond Bluff, Pierce County, Wisconsin, United States. |
| Coordinates | 44°36′36″N 92°36′37″W / 44.61000°N 92.61028°W |
| Construction began | 1935 |
| Opening date | July 1938 |
| Operator(s) |  U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, St. Paul District |
| Dam and spillways | |
| Impounds | Upper Mississippi River |
| Length | 365 feet (111.3 m) (movable portion) |
| Reservoir | |
| Creates | Pool 3 |
| Total capacity | 1,110,000 acre⋅ft (1.37 km3) |
| Catchment area | 45,170 sq mi (117,000 km2) |
Lock and Dam No. 3 is a special structure on the Upper Mississippi River. It helps boats travel safely along the river. This lock and dam is located near Red Wing, Minnesota. It sits around river mile 796.9.
The structure was built a long time ago. It started working in July 1938. From 1988 to 1991, it got a big update. The United States Army Corps of Engineers runs this important river system.
Contents
What is a Lock and Dam?
A lock and dam system helps control river levels. It also allows boats to move between different water heights. Think of it like a water elevator for boats!
How Locks Work
A lock is a chamber with gates at both ends.
- A boat enters the lock.
- The gates close behind it.
- Water is either added or removed from the chamber. This changes the water level inside.
- Once the water level matches the river on the other side, the front gates open.
- The boat can then continue its journey.
The Dam's Role
The dam part of the structure holds back water. This creates a deeper pool of water upstream. This deeper water, called Pool 3 here, makes it easier for large boats to travel. The dam at this location is 365 feet (about 111 meters) long. It has four special gates called roller gates.
Key Features of Lock and Dam No. 3
This lock and dam is a big and important structure. It helps keep the Mississippi River flowing smoothly for everyone.
Dam Structure Details
The dam itself is 365 feet (111 meters) long. It uses four large roller gates to control the water flow. Beyond the main dam, there are more than 2,000 feet (610 meters) of earth walls. These walls, along with smaller dikes, help create Pool 3.
Lock Chamber Size
The lock chamber is the part where boats go in. It is 110 feet (33.5 meters) wide. It is also 600 feet (183 meters) long. This size allows many different types of boats to pass through.
River Traffic and Recreation
Lock and Dam No. 3 is very busy. Many different kinds of boats use it every day.
Cargo Transport
Each year, over 11 million tons of cargo pass through Lock 3. This cargo includes important items like:
- Farm products (like grain)
- Chemicals
- Raw materials
These goods are vital for businesses and communities.
Recreational Use
This lock is also very popular for fun activities. More than 20,000 recreational boats use Lock 3 every year. This makes it one of the most used locks on the river for pleasure boats. Many fishing tournaments also use this lock.
Images for kids
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A view of Lock and Dam No. 3 from the river.
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Another angle of Lock and Dam No. 3.
