Poe Dam facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Poe Dam |
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 Location of Poe Dam in California
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| Location | Butte County, California, United States |
| Coordinates | 39°48′34″N 121°25′57″W / 39.80944°N 121.43250°W |
| Opening date | 1953 |
| Dam and spillways | |
| Type of dam | Gated overflow dam |
| Impounds | North Fork Feather River |
| Height | 62 ft (19 m) |
| Length | 441 ft (134 m) |
| Reservoir | |
| Total capacity | 1,150 acre⋅ft (1,420,000 m3) |
| Catchment area | 1,950 sq mi (5,100 km2) |
| Power station | |
| Installed capacity | 120 MW |
| Annual generation | 536,397,000 KWh (2001–2012) |
The Poe Dam is a large concrete dam in Butte County, California. It sits on the North Fork Feather River, about 5 miles (8 km) north of Lake Oroville. This dam is an important part of a big system that creates electricity.
The dam was finished in 1959. It is the lowest dam in a series of 10 power stations. These stations are run by the Pacific Gas and Electric Company. They all work together to make clean energy from the river.
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What is Poe Dam?
Poe Dam is a type of dam called a concrete gravity diversion dam. This means it uses its own weight to hold back water. It also sends water in a different direction. The dam is about 60 feet (18 meters) tall and 440 feet (134 meters) long.
The dam has four special gates called radial gates. These gates are very large, about 50 by 41 feet (15 by 12 meters) each. They help control how much water flows through the dam.
How Poe Dam Helps Make Electricity
Poe Dam plays a key role in making electricity. It diverts, or sends, water into a long tunnel. This tunnel is about 6.3 miles (10.1 km) long. The water travels through this tunnel to the Poe Powerhouse.
The Poe Powerhouse is located near Lake Oroville. It has powerful machines that use the water's force to create electricity. This powerhouse can generate 120 megawatts of power. It produces about 500 million kilowatt-hours of electricity each year. This is enough power for many homes and businesses.
Fire Incident Near the Dam
On November 8, 2018, a large wildfire started close to Poe Dam. This fire was called the Camp Fire. It began near some power lines that had fallen across the Feather River.
The company that owns the dam, PG&E, stated that they would investigate the cause of the fire. They wanted to understand how it started.
Fun at Poe Dam
Besides its important job of making electricity, Poe Dam is also a popular spot for outdoor activities. Many people enjoy kayaking in the waters around the dam. It's a great place for adventure and enjoying nature.
