Powersite Dam facts for kids
Powersite Dam is a special kind of dam that uses the power of water to make electricity. It's called a hydroelectric dam. This dam started working way back in 1913 in a place called Forsyth, Missouri.
You can find Powersite Dam on the White River. When the dam was built, it created a big reservoir (which is like a large, artificial lake) called Lake Taneycomo. Powersite Dam was the very first hydroelectric dam ever built in Missouri!
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Building a Giant Dam
Powersite Dam was designed in 1911 by a smart engineer named Nils F. Ambursen. When it was finished, it was the biggest concrete buttress dam of its kind. A buttress dam uses strong supports, like giant walls, to hold back the water.
Who Owns Powersite Dam?
Even today, Powersite Dam is owned by a private company called the Empire District Electric Company. They are in charge of keeping the dam running and making electricity.
When Nature Strikes
In July 2015, something big happened at the dam. There was a lot of heavy rain, which caused major flooding. This flood damaged parts of Powersite Dam.
Fixing the Damage
To check the dam and fix it safely, the water levels in Lake Taneycomo had to be lowered. This allowed workers to inspect the damage and make all the necessary repairs.
Images for kids
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Powersite Dam when it was finished around 1913
