Robert S. Kerr Reservoir facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Robert S. Kerr Reservoir |
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 Robert S. Kerr Reservoir
Location in Oklahoma
Robert S. Kerr Reservoir
Location in the United States
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| Location | Haskell / Sequoyah / Muskogee / Le Flore counties, Oklahoma, United States |
| Coordinates | 35°21′02″N 94°51′10″W / 35.35056°N 94.85278°W |
| Type | reservoir |
| Primary inflows | Arkansas River |
| Primary outflows | Arkansas River |
| Catchment area | 147,756 sq mi (382,686 km2) |
| Basin countries | United States |
| Surface area | 43,000 acres (174 km2) |
| Average depth | 11.75 ft (3.6 m) (mean) 52 ft (15.8 m) (maximum) |
| Water volume | 525,700 acre⋅ft (0.6484 km3) |
| Shore length1 | 250 mi (402 km) |
| Surface elevation | 478 ft (146 m) (normal pool) |
| 1 Shore length is not a well-defined measure. | |
The Robert S. Kerr Reservoir is a large lake in eastern Oklahoma, United States. It is located in the Cookson Hills area. This reservoir stretches across four counties: Sequoyah, Le Flore, Haskell, and Muskogee. The nearest major town, Sallisaw, Oklahoma, is about eight miles south.
This important body of water was created on the Arkansas River. It was formed by the Robert S. Kerr Lock and Dam. This dam is part of a bigger system called the McClellan–Kerr Arkansas River Navigation System. This system helps barges and boats travel along the Arkansas River. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers manages this entire system.
Contents
Building the Reservoir and Dam
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers built the Robert S. Kerr Lock and Dam. Construction started in 1963. Before it was named, the project was known as Short Mountain Lock and Dam. It was later renamed to honor Robert S. Kerr. He was a senator from Oklahoma who worked hard to make the Arkansas River navigable.
The project was finished in 1970. It cost about $94.566 million at that time. The dam also has a small power plant. This plant uses the force of water to create electricity. It has four units that can produce a total of 110 megawatts of power.
In 2002, an event happened where a barge hit a bridge. This bridge carried Interstate 40 over the reservoir.
Fun Activities at Robert S. Kerr Reservoir
The Robert S. Kerr Reservoir and the land around it are popular places for outdoor fun. Many people enjoy boating, fishing, and hunting here.
What You Can Do
The lake offers many facilities for visitors. You can find boat ramps, picnic areas, and places to camp. There are spots for both RVs and tents. You can also enjoy swimming at the beaches or explore hiking trails. Concession stands are available for snacks and drinks.
Hunting and Wildlife
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers also manages over 10,000 acres (40 km2) of land around the lake. This area is open for public hunting. It helps to manage wildlife populations.
Watching the Barges
At the lake's visitors center, there are special observation decks. From these decks, you can watch large barges and other boats. They pass through the lock system on the McClellan–Kerr Arkansas River Navigation System. It's a great way to see how the navigation system works.
Who Was Robert S. Kerr?
The lock, dam, and reservoir are all named after Robert S. Kerr. He was an important person in Oklahoma's history. Robert S. Kerr served as a former governor of Oklahoma. He also became a U.S. Senator from Oklahoma. He passed away in 1963.
Images for kids
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Aerial view upriver from lock and dam
(1.41 MiB)
