New Hogan Dam facts for kids
Quick facts for kids New Hogan Dam |
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| Country | United States |
| Location | Calaveras County, California |
| Coordinates | 38°09′03″N 120°48′47″W / 38.15083°N 120.81306°W |
| Opening date | 1963 |
| Owner(s) |  U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Sacramento District |
| Dam and spillways | |
| Type of dam | Embankment |
| Impounds | Calaveras River |
| Height | 210 ft (64 m) |
| Length | 1,960 ft (600 m) |
| Spillway type | Gated overflow, service |
| Spillway capacity | 106,400 cu ft/s (3,010 m3/s) |
| Reservoir | |
| Creates | New Hogan Lake |
| Total capacity | 317,100 acre⋅ft (0.3911 km3) |
| Catchment area | 363 sq mi (940 km2) |
| Surface area | 4,400 acres (1,800 ha) |
| Power station | |
| Installed capacity | 3.15 MW |
The New Hogan Dam is a big wall built across the Calaveras River in central California. This river eventually flows into the San Joaquin River. The dam creates a large lake called New Hogan Lake. You can find this lake in the beautiful foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountains.
This important dam was built by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE). It stands about 210 feet (64 meters) tall. The dam was finished in 1963.
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New Hogan Dam: A Giant Helper
Dams like New Hogan Dam are huge structures built for many reasons. They help control floods, store water for people to use, and even make electricity. The New Hogan Dam helps with all these important jobs for the communities nearby.
Where is the Dam?
The New Hogan Dam is located in Calaveras County, California. It's a bit east of a town called Rancho Calaveras. This area is known for its rolling hills and pretty scenery, close to the bigger Sierra Nevada mountains.
Why Was New Hogan Dam Built?
The main reasons for building New Hogan Dam were to control floods and store water. Before the dam, the Calaveras River could sometimes flood, causing problems for towns and farms. The dam helps to hold back floodwaters, protecting the areas downstream.
It also stores water from rain and snowmelt. This stored water is then used for farming and by people in their homes.
Making Clean Energy
In 1986, a special power plant was added to the dam. This plant uses the force of the water to create hydroelectricity. Hydroelectricity is a clean way to make power because it doesn't burn fossil fuels. The plant at New Hogan Dam can produce 3.15 megawatts of electricity. This is enough to power many homes!
What is New Hogan Lake Like?
New Hogan Lake is the large body of water created by the dam. It covers about 4,400 acres (1,780 hectares) when full. This makes it a popular spot for many outdoor activities.
Fun Things to Do at the Lake
New Hogan Lake is a great place for families and friends to visit. You can enjoy:
- Boating: Many people bring their boats to cruise on the lake.
- Fishing: The lake is home to different kinds of fish, making it a favorite spot for anglers.
- Camping: There are places around the lake where you can set up a tent or park an RV and enjoy nature.
- Picnics: You can find nice spots for a picnic with beautiful views of the lake and surrounding hills.
The lake and dam are important parts of the local area. They provide water, electricity, and a fun place for people to relax and play.
