Normandy Dam facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Normandy Dam |
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Normandy Dam
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| Coordinates | 35°27′56″N 86°14′33″W / 35.465476°N 86.24259°W |
| Dam and spillways | |
| Impounds | Duck River |
| Height | 110 ft (34 m) |
| Length | 2,807 ft (856 m) |
| Reservoir | |
| Total capacity | 126,100 acre⋅ft (155,500 dam3) |
| Catchment area | 195 sq mi (510 km2) |
| Surface area | 2,490 acres (1,010 ha) |
The Normandy Dam is a large dam built on the Duck River in Tennessee, USA. It was created by an organization called the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA). This dam is special because it helps control floods and boost the local economy, but it doesn't make electricity.
The dam is located right on the border between Bedford and Coffee counties. The small town of Normandy is very close by, just southwest of the dam.
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What is Normandy Dam?
A dam is a huge barrier built across a river. It holds back water, creating a large lake or reservoir. The Normandy Dam was finished in 1976. It's a big structure that helps manage the water flow of the Duck River.
Why Was It Built?
The main reasons for building Normandy Dam were:
- Flood Control: Dams like Normandy help stop rivers from overflowing their banks. This protects homes, farms, and towns from damaging floods. When heavy rains come, the dam can hold back extra water.
- Economic Development: By controlling floods, the dam helps the area grow. It makes the land safer for farming and building. The reservoir also creates opportunities for fishing and boating.
It's important to know that unlike many other dams, Normandy Dam does not have power generators. This means it doesn't produce any electricity. Its main job is to manage water and prevent floods.
The Normandy Reservoir
When the dam holds back the river, it creates a large body of water called the Normandy Reservoir. This reservoir is like a big lake. The water level in the reservoir changes throughout the year. In a normal year, the water level can go up or down by about 11 feet. This change helps with flood control and keeps the river healthy.
Quick Facts About Normandy Dam
- Height: The dam stands about 110 feet (34 m) tall. That's like a 10-story building!
- Length: It stretches 2,807 feet (856 m) across the river valley. That's almost half a mile long!
- Completion: The dam was finished in 1976.
- Purpose: Its main jobs are flood control and helping the local economy.
