Prosser Creek Dam facts for kids

Prosser Creek Dam viewed from the south shore of Prosser Creek Reservoir

A fishing boat on the reservoir

Outflow from the main spillway into Prosser Creek

The Prosser Creek Dam is a large structure located in Nevada County, California. It helps manage water for people and nature. This important dam holds back the waters of Prosser Creek. Prosser Creek is a smaller stream that flows into the bigger Truckee River.

Building the Prosser Creek Dam

The Prosser Creek Dam was built a long time ago. Construction started in 1959 and finished in 1962. It was built by a government group called the United States Bureau of Reclamation. This agency helps manage water resources across the country.

The dam is made from earth and rocks. It stands about 163 feet (50 m) tall. That's like a 16-story building! The top of the dam, called the crest, stretches for about 1,830 feet (560 m). That's longer than five football fields lined up!

What the Dam Does

The main job of Prosser Creek Dam is to hold water. It creates a large lake called Prosser Creek Reservoir. This stored water is used for two main purposes:

• Irrigation: The water helps farmers grow crops. It is released when needed to water fields.
• Flood Control: The dam also protects nearby areas from floods. During heavy rain or snowmelt, it can hold back extra water. This stops rivers from overflowing their banks.

The Prosser Creek Dam is part of a bigger plan called the Washoe Project. This project helps manage water in the Tahoe region. The Bureau of Reclamation still owns and operates the dam today.

Prosser Creek Reservoir: Fun and Nature

The lake created by the dam is called Prosser Creek Reservoir. It's a popular spot for outdoor activities. The reservoir covers about 750 acres (300 ha) of land. That's like 560 football fields! Its shoreline stretches for about 11 miles (18 km).

The reservoir can hold a lot of water, about 29,800 acre-feet (36,800,000 m³). This means there's plenty of space for fun. People enjoy many activities here, including:

• Fishing: You can catch fish like rainbow and brown trout.
• Boating: The calm waters are great for boating.
• Camping: There are places nearby to set up a tent and enjoy nature.
• Hiking: Trails around the reservoir offer beautiful views.
• Hunting: In certain seasons, hunting is allowed in designated areas.

Panoramic view of Prosser Creek Reservoir from atop the dam