Mammoth Pool Reservoir facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Mammoth Pool Reservoir |
|
|---|---|
 |
|
 Mammoth Pool Reservoir
Location in California
Mammoth Pool Reservoir
Location in the United States
|
|
| Location | Sierra National Forest Fresno County, California Madera County, California |
| Coordinates | 37°21′15″N 119°18′32″W / 37.3541°N 119.309°W |
| Type | Reservoir |
| Primary inflows | San Joaquin River |
| Primary outflows | San Joaquin River |
| Catchment area | 998 sq mi (2,580 km2) |
| Basin countries | United States |
| Max. length | 5 mi (8.0 km) |
| Max. width | 1.5 mi (2.4 km) |
| Surface area | 1,100 acres (450 ha) |
| Water volume | 123,000 acre⋅ft (152,000,000 m3) |
| Surface elevation | 3,330 ft (1,010 m) |
Mammoth Pool Reservoir is a large, human-made lake in the Sierra Nevada mountains of California. It's located inside the Sierra National Forest. This reservoir helps mark the border between Fresno County and Madera County. It is about 45 miles (72 km) northeast of the city of Fresno.
Contents
Making Electricity: Hydroelectric Power
Mammoth Pool Reservoir was created by building the Mammoth Pool Dam in 1960. This dam is made of earth and helps hold back the water. The main reason for building the dam was to make hydroelectricity. This is a way to create electricity using the power of moving water.
The dam's power plant can make a lot of electricity, up to 190 megawatts. That's enough to power many homes! Mammoth Pool Dam and its power plant are part of a huge system called the Big Creek Hydroelectric Project. This project is one of the biggest hydroelectric systems in the world.
Fun Activities at the Reservoir
Mammoth Pool Reservoir is also a great place for outdoor fun. Many people visit the lake to enjoy different activities.
- Swimming
- Fishing
- Camping
- Boating
Seasonal Closures for Wildlife and Weather
The reservoir has special rules to protect nature and keep visitors safe.
- Deer Migration: Every year, the reservoir is closed to people during May and the first half of June. This is so that migrating deer can safely swim across the water. They are heading to the higher parts of the Sierra Nevada mountains for the summer.
- Winter Snow: After the first big snowstorm, usually in November, the reservoir becomes hard to reach. The access roads are not cleared of snow, so it's not safe to visit until spring.
Forest Fire Event in 2020
In September 2020, a large forest fire called the Creek Fire affected the area around Mammoth Pool Reservoir. The fire blocked the roads leading to a campground near the reservoir.
Because of the danger, officials told campers to go into the reservoir's water for safety. Many people were later rescued by helicopters. This event showed how important it is to be aware of your surroundings when enjoying nature.
