Rocklands Reservoir facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Rocklands Dam |
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Location of Rocklands Reservoir in
Victoria |
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Country | Australia |
Location | Wimmera, Victoria |
Coordinates | 37°14′04.34″S 141°57′35.70″E / 37.2345389°S 141.9599167°E |
Status | Operational |
Construction began | 1938 |
Opening date | 1953 |
Owner(s) | GWM Water |
Dam and spillways | |
Type of dam | Gravity dam |
Impounds | Glenelg River |
Length | 270 m (890 ft) |
Dam volume | 69×10 3 m3 (2.4×10 6 cu ft) |
Spillways | 1 |
Spillway type | Uncontrolled |
Spillway capacity | 763 m3/s (26,900 cu ft/s) |
Reservoir | |
Creates | Rocklands Reservoir |
Total capacity | 348,300 ML (7.66×1010 imp gal; 9.20×1010 US gal) |
Active capacity | 261,510 ML (5.752×1010 imp gal; 6.908×1010 US gal) |
Catchment area | 1,355 km2 (523 sq mi) |
Surface area | 6,750 km2 (2,610 sq mi) |
Maximum water depth | 17 m (56 ft) |
Normal elevation | 195.5 m (641 ft) AHD |
Website Rocklands Reservoir at |
The Rocklands Reservoir is a large water storage area in Victoria, Australia. It was created by building a dam across the Glenelg River. This reservoir is very important for providing water to the Wimmera region. It's the biggest reservoir managed by GWMWater, a company that supplies water.
Water from Rocklands Reservoir is used for many different things. It helps supply water for homes, farms, and even the environment. A special thing about this reservoir is that everyone who needs water from it, including nature, can get their share.
Building the Rocklands Dam
The building of the Rocklands Dam started in 1938. However, work had to stop because of World War II. Construction began again in 1950 and the dam was finally finished in 1953.
The main part of the dam is a strong concrete wall, which is 270 metres (890 ft) long. This wall is a type called a "gravity dam" because its own weight holds back the water. On either side of this main wall, there are two earth sections called embankments.
When the dam is completely full, it can hold 261,510 megalitres (9,235×10 6 cu ft) of water. The reservoir itself can hold even more, up to 348,300 megalitres (12,300×10 6 cu ft) of water. At full capacity, the surface of the water covers an area of 67.5 square kilometres (26.1 sq mi). The area of land that collects rainwater for the reservoir, called the catchment area, is 1,355 square kilometres (523 sq mi). There is also a special part called a spillway that can release 763 cubic metres per second (26,900 cu ft/s) of water if the reservoir gets too full.
Fun Activities at Rocklands Reservoir
Rocklands Reservoir is a great place for outdoor activities. Many people enjoy boating here. You can use powered boats, go water skiing, or even jet skiing.
If you like camping, there are special areas where you are allowed to set up your tent. During certain times of the year, people can also go duck hunting.
Fishing is very popular at Rocklands Reservoir. You can catch different types of fish like Murray cod, Redfin, Trout, and Carp. In the late 1990s and early 2000s, it was especially known for catching very large Carp, some weighing over 10 kilograms!