Pokegama Lake Dam facts for kids
- not to be confused with Pokegama Lake, Pine County, Minnesota
The Pokegama Lake Dam is a dam located in Cohasset, Minnesota, which is in Itasca County, Minnesota. It sits northwest of the city of Grand Rapids, Minnesota. This dam helps manage the Upper Mississippi River.
The dam was first built in 1884 by the United States Army Corps of Engineers. It was made from concrete and timber. The dam is 17 feet tall and 385 feet long at its top. Its main jobs are to control floods, help boats travel, and provide drinking water for nearby towns. The dam was rebuilt in 1936. Today, the Mississippi Valley Division of the Corps of Engineers still owns and operates it.
The Pokegama Lake Dam creates a system of connected lakes. These include Jay Gould Lake, Cut-Off Lake, and the largest one, Pokegama Lake. Together, these lakes can hold a lot of water. They are important for the environment and for people living in the area.
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What is the Pokegama Lake Dam?
The Pokegama Lake Dam is a structure that holds back the water of the Upper Mississippi River. It helps control the flow of the river. Dams like this are important for many reasons, including managing water levels and preventing floods.
How Was the Dam Built?
The original dam was built using strong materials like concrete and timber. It was a big project for its time. The United States Army Corps of Engineers is a group that builds and manages many important water projects across the country. They built this dam to help people and the environment in Minnesota.
Why is the Dam Important?
The Pokegama Lake Dam serves several key purposes:
- Flood Control: It helps prevent the Mississippi River from overflowing its banks during heavy rains or snowmelt. This protects homes and farms downstream.
- Navigation: By controlling water levels, the dam helps keep the river deep enough for boats and barges to travel safely.
- Drinking Water: The water held back by the dam is used as a source of drinking water for nearby communities. This is very important for people's health.
Exploring the Lakes Created by the Dam
The dam creates a system of three connected lakes: Jay Gould Lake, Cut-Off Lake, and Pokegama Lake. Pokegama Lake is the biggest of the three. These lakes are popular spots for fishing, boating, and other outdoor activities. They are also home to various types of wildlife.
Pedestrian Bridge at the Dam
In 2011, a new pedestrian bridge was built at the Pokegama Lake Dam. This bridge was added during some repair work on the dam. It connects the Pokegama Recreation Area Campground to the south side of the Mississippi River. This means people can now walk safely across the river near the dam. It's a great spot for a stroll and to see the dam up close!
