Platoro Dam facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Platoro Dam |
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The reservoir viewed from the top of the dam
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 Location of Platoro Dam in Colorado
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| Country | United States |
| Location | Conejos County, Colorado |
| Coordinates | 37°21′04″N 106°32′50″W / 37.35114°N 106.5473°W |
| Purpose | Irrigation water storage |
| Opening date | 1951 |
| Owner(s) | United States Bureau of Reclamation |
| Dam and spillways | |
| Height | 165 feet (50 m) |
| Elevation at crest | 9,993 feet (3,046 m) |
| Width (crest) | 1,475 feet (450 m) |
| Reservoir | |
| Total capacity | 53,506 acre-feet (65,999,000 m3) |
| Surface area | 1.5 square miles (3.9 km2) |
| Normal elevation | 9,977 feet (3,041 m) |
The Platoro Dam is a large structure in Conejos County, Colorado. It helps manage water in the area. This dam is important for local farms and the environment.
Contents
What is Platoro Dam?
Platoro Dam is an earthen dam. This means it is built mostly from natural materials like soil and rock. It was built between 1949 and 1951. The dam is 165 feet (about 50 meters) tall. Its top is 1,475 feet (about 450 meters) long.
Why Was It Built?
The dam was built by the United States Bureau of Reclamation. Its main job is to store water for irrigation. This water helps farmers grow crops in the San Luis Valley. The dam holds back the Conejos River. This river is a branch of the larger Rio Grande.
Who Manages the Dam?
The United States Bureau of Reclamation owns the dam. However, a local group called the Conejos Water Conservancy operates it. They make sure the water is used correctly.
Discover Platoro Reservoir
The dam creates a lake called Platoro Reservoir. This reservoir covers about 1.5 square miles (about 3.9 square kilometers) when full. It can hold a lot of water, about 53,506 acre-feet. An acre-foot is the amount of water needed to cover one acre of land one foot deep.
Fun Activities at the Reservoir
Even though the reservoir is in a remote, high mountain area, you can still visit it. People enjoy fishing, camping, boating, and hunting there. The season for these activities is short because of the high altitude. But it's a great place for outdoor adventures!
