Percha Dam State Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Percha Dam State Park |
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 Percha Dam State Park
Location in New Mexico
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| Location | Sierra, New Mexico, United States |
| Area | 80 acres (32 ha) |
| Elevation | 4,100 ft (1,200 m) |
| Established | 1970 |
| Governing body | New Mexico State Parks Division |
Percha Dam State Park is a fun place to visit in New Mexico, United States. It's a special state park located about 21 miles (34 km) south of a town called Truth or Consequences, New Mexico. You'll find it right on the famous Rio Grande river.
The park covers about 80 acres (32 hectares) of land. It's home to the Percha Dam, which is a smaller dam located just under 2 miles (3 km) downstream from the much bigger Caballo Dam. Because of this, the water behind Percha Dam acts like a wide, slow-moving part of the river.
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Why Was Percha Dam Built?
The main reason Percha Dam was built is to help farmers. It works by raising the water level of the Rio Grande just a little bit. This makes it easier for water to flow into canals.
This process is called irrigation. It means sending water from the river to farm fields. This water helps grow important crops, especially delicious chile peppers, for people living downstream.
Fun Things to Do at Percha Dam State Park
Percha Dam State Park is a great spot for many outdoor activities. It's a popular place for people who love to be near the water and nature.
Fishing and Boating
Many visitors enjoy fishing in the slow-moving waters of the Rio Grande here. You can also have fun rafting or kayaking. It's a perfect place to paddle and explore the river at a relaxed pace.
Bird Watching
If you love birds, this park is a fantastic place to visit. Many different kinds of birds stop here. It's especially popular during the spring and autumn. This is when birds are migrating, meaning they are flying long distances between their summer and winter homes. You might see many unique birds during these times!
