Rifle Gap Dam facts for kids
The Rifle Gap Dam is a large structure in Garfield County, Colorado. It's located about five and a half miles north of the town of Rifle. This dam helps manage water and creates a popular spot for outdoor fun.
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What is Rifle Gap Dam?
Rifle Gap Dam is a special type of dam called an earthen dam. This means it's built mostly from natural materials like soil, sand, and rock. It was constructed to hold back water from two creeks, East Rifle Creek and West Rifle Creek.
Building the Dam
The dam was built between 1964 and 1967. The United States Bureau of Reclamation was in charge of building it. This government agency helps manage water resources across the country. The dam is quite big! It stands 157 feet tall, which is like a 15-story building, and stretches 1450 feet long across the top.
How the Dam Works
Rifle Gap Dam holds back the water from East Rifle Creek and West Rifle Creek. It creates a large lake called Rifle Gap Reservoir. The main reason this dam was built was to store water for irrigation. This means the water is used to help farmers grow crops in the area. The dam is owned by the Bureau of Reclamation, but a local group called the Silt Water Conservancy District helps operate it.
Fun at Rifle Gap Reservoir
Rifle Gap Reservoir is a great place for many outdoor activities. The lake has a surface area of 359 acres and can hold a lot of water, making it perfect for different kinds of recreation.
Water Fun
The water in Rifle Gap Reservoir is known for being very clear. This makes it a popular spot for scuba diving! You can also enjoy boating on the lake. If you like fishing, you're in luck! The reservoir is home to many types of fish, including rainbow trout, German brown trout, walleye, perch, and different kinds of bass.
Land Adventures
Around the reservoir, there are plenty of things to do on land too. You can go hiking on trails that offer great views. Camping is available all year round, so you can stay and enjoy nature. It's also a wonderful place for wildlife watching, where you might spot different animals and birds. The entire area is part of Rifle Gap State Park, which means it's protected and managed for everyone to enjoy.
