Porcupine Dam facts for kids

The Porcupine Dam is a large earthen dam located in Cache County, Utah, United States. It holds back the waters of the East Fork of the Little Bear River, creating a beautiful lake called Porcupine Reservoir. This dam plays an important role in providing water for farming in the area.

Porcupine Dam: A Utah Water Wonder

Building the Dam

The Porcupine Dam was built in 1964 by a group called the Porcupine Reservoir Company. It's an "earthen dam," which means it's made mostly of compacted earth and rock. The dam stands about 165 feet (50 meters) tall and stretches 665 feet (203 meters) across at its top. Its main job is to store water, mostly for irrigation, which helps farmers grow crops.

Porcupine Reservoir: Fun on the Water

The lake created by the dam is called Porcupine Reservoir. It covers about 190 acres (77 hectares) of water, which is like 144 football fields! The shoreline of the reservoir is about 4.2 miles (6.8 kilometers) long. At its fullest, the reservoir can hold enough water to cover 12,500 acres with one foot of water. The water level is usually around 5,381 feet (1,640 meters) above sea level.

Porcupine Reservoir is a popular spot for outdoor activities. Many people enjoy fishing for trout, going boating, and camping near the lake. While there aren't many fancy facilities, you can find places for "primitive camping" right at the reservoir. This means you'll be roughing it a bit more, enjoying nature without all the amenities. More developed camping areas are available just below the dam in the canyon.