Mahoning Creek Dam facts for kids
The Mahoning Creek Dam is a large structure in Armstrong County, Pennsylvania. It helps control floods and also creates electricity. This important dam was built a long time ago by the United States Army Corps of Engineers.
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Building the Mahoning Creek Dam
The Mahoning Creek Dam was built in 1941. It is a type of dam called a concrete gravity dam. This means its own weight holds it in place against the water. The dam is 162 feet tall, which is about as high as a 16-story building. It stretches 926 feet across, which is longer than two football fields!
Why Was the Dam Built?
The main reason for building the Mahoning Creek Dam was to control floods. It holds back the water from Mahoning Creek. This creek flows into the Allegheny River. The dam is one of sixteen projects in the area designed to protect communities from flooding. The United States Army Corps of Engineers still owns and operates the dam today.
Making Electricity with Water Power
In 2012, something new was added to the dam. It was updated to produce hydroelectric power. This means it uses the force of moving water to create electricity. The dam can now make about 6 megawatts of power. That's enough electricity for many homes!
Exploring Mahoning Creek Lake
The dam creates a large body of water called Mahoning Creek Lake. This lake is a great place for outdoor fun. It covers about 280 acres when the water level is normal.
Fun Activities at the Lake
Many people visit Mahoning Creek Lake for recreation. You can go boating on the water or try your luck fishing. There are also places for camping if you want to stay overnight. If you like to explore, you can enjoy hiking on the trails around the lake. The state-run Mahoning Creek Lake Park offers all these facilities. The lake is located between Redbank Township and Wayne Township in Armstrong County.
