Shellmouth Reservoir facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Lake of the Prairies |
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Shellmouth Dam
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 Lake of the Prairies
Location in Manitoba
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| Location | R.M. of Shellmouth-Boulton / R.M. of Shell River, Manitoba and Cote No. 271, Saskatchewan |
| Coordinates | 51°08′40″N 101°30′19″W / 51.14444°N 101.50528°W |
| Type | reservoir |
| Primary inflows | Assiniboine River, Shell River (Saskatchewan), Cupar Creek |
| Primary outflows | Assiniboine River |
| Basin countries | Canada |
| Max. length | 56 km (35 mi) |
| Surface area | 61.5 km2 (23.7 sq mi) |
| Water volume | 480×106 m3 (390,000 acre⋅ft) |
| Surface elevation | 425 m (1,394 ft) |
The Shellmouth Reservoir, also known as the Lake of the Prairies, is a large lake made by people. It was built on the Assiniboine River in Manitoba and Saskatchewan, Canada. This important reservoir helps control floods and provides water for many uses.
Contents
Building the Shellmouth Dam
The Shellmouth Dam is a special type of wall called an embankment dam. It was built by a group called the Prairie Farm Rehabilitation Administration (PFRA). Work on the dam started in 1964 and finished in 1972. It cost about $10.8 million Canadian dollars to build.
The dam is about 70 feet (21 m) high and 4,200 feet (1,300 m) long. The lake it creates, the Shellmouth Reservoir, stretches for about 35 miles (56 km). It can hold a huge amount of water, about 480 million cubic metres! Water flows out of the dam through special gates and a wide concrete chute called a spillway. During summer, the water level is usually kept between 1,400 feet (430 m) and 1,404 feet (428 m).
Why the Dam is Important
The Shellmouth Dam and its reservoir are super important for preventing floods. They help protect areas along the Assiniboine River, including the big city of Winnipeg. For example, during the big 1997 Red River flood, a lot of water flowed into the reservoir. But the dam only let a small amount out, which helped stop the flooding downstream.
The reservoir also makes sure there's enough water when things are dry. It helps keep the water flowing in the Assiniboine River for cities like Brandon and Portage la Prairie. This water is also used by farmers for irrigation and by some businesses.
Fun on the Lake of the Prairies
The Shellmouth Reservoir is also known as the "Lake of the Prairies." It's a popular spot for outdoor activities. Asessippi Provincial Park is located around the southern part of the lake. People enjoy visiting the park and the lake for fun and relaxation.
Fish Living in the Lake
Many different kinds of Fish live in the Shellmouth Reservoir. Some of the fish you might find include:
- Walleye
- Yellow perch
- Northern pike
- Mooneye
- Burbot
- Rock bass (This is Saskatchewan's only native bass!)
- Brown bullhead
- White sucker
- Shorthead redhorse
- Common carp
Gallery
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Shellmouth Dam sign
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Lake of the Prairies from the Shellmouth Dam
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Shellmouth Dam Control Structure
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Shellmouth Dam Spillway
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Lake of the Prairies
