Newton Dam facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Newton Reservoir (Historic)
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| Location | Newton, Utah United States |
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| Area | 170 acres (69 ha) |
| Built | 1871 |
| NRHP reference No. | 73001860 |
| Added to NRHP | November 30, 1973 |
Newton Dam is an earthen dam located about a mile north of Newton, in Cache County, Utah, United States. It helps control water for the area.
Contents
What is Newton Dam?
Newton Dam is a large structure made of earth. It holds back water from Clarkston Creek. This creates a reservoir, which is like a big lake. The dam is 101 feet tall. It can hold 5,600 acre-feet of water. An acre-foot is enough water to cover one acre of land with water one foot deep. The reservoir covers 350 acres.
Who Owns and Runs the Dam?
The United States Bureau of Reclamation owns the dam. This is a government agency that manages water resources. The dam is operated by a local group called the Newton Water Users Association. They make sure the water is used well by the community.
The Story of Newton Dam
The very first dam here was built a long time ago. It was started in 1871 and finished in 1872.
Building the First Dam
LDS pioneers built the original dam. They used simple tools like ox and horse-drawn scrapers. This was a huge project for its time. It was one of the first large irrigation projects in Utah. Some even say it was one of the first in the entire United States! Irrigation means bringing water to farms to help crops grow.
Rebuilding and Improving the Dam
The first dam faced some challenges. It was washed out by floods several times. This happened in 1874, 1877, and 1888. Each time, the pioneers rebuilt it. In 1897, they made it stronger. They lined the dam with rock and made it three feet taller. The original reservoir could hold 1,566 acre-feet of water.
The Modern Dam
The dam you see today is not the original one. The United States Bureau of Reclamation built a new dam. This happened between 1941 and 1946. It was built about a mile and a half downstream from the old site.
Newton Dam's Historic Importance
The original dam and reservoir are very important. They were added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1973. This means they are recognized as a special part of history. The old dam's location can still be seen today at 41°54′43″N 111°59′24″W / 41.912°N 111.99°W. It reminds us of the hard work of the early pioneers.
