Mauch Chunk Lake facts for kids
The Mauch Chunk Lake is a cool place that was created by building a big dam. This dam was designed by a group called the United States Army Corps of Engineers in early 1972. They are experts who help build important things like dams and waterways for the country. The dam itself is made of earth, stands 50 feet tall, and stretches 1,710 feet long! It holds back water to form a large lake, which is like a big storage area for water, covering about 320 acres. The lake officially opened in the summer of 1974. It cost about 3 million dollars to build back then, which would be like 18 million dollars today!
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Building Mauch Chunk Lake
Before Mauch Chunk Lake was built, the area had a big problem with floods. Water from natural springs high up on Mauch Chunk Mountain would rush down into the Mauch Chunk Creek. This often caused the main street in Jim Thorpe, called Broadway, to flood. Some of the worst floods happened in 1861, 1901, 1902, and 1969.
Why the Dam Was Needed
The main reason for building the dam and creating Mauch Chunk Lake was to control these floods. By holding back the water, the dam helps protect the town of Jim Thorpe and other nearby areas from heavy rains.
Who Helped Make It Happen
Two important people helped make sure the lake project happened: Agnes T. McCartney, who was a commissioner, and Representative Daniel Flood, a member of Congress. They helped oversee the whole project, making sure it was built correctly and on time.
The Dam's First Big Test
The dam got its first big test very soon after it was built, even before the lake officially opened. In 1972, Hurricane Agnes hit the area, bringing a lot of rain. Some towns nearby got up to 18 inches of rain! But the new dam held strong, proving it could protect the community from serious flooding.
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Mauch Chunk Lake
