Silver Jack Dam facts for kids
The Silver Jack Dam is a large dam located in Gunnison County, Colorado. It helps manage water for farming and also creates a beautiful lake for outdoor fun.
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Silver Jack Dam: Built for Water and Fun
The Silver Jack Dam was built between 1966 and 1971. It was constructed by the United States Bureau of Reclamation, which is a government agency in charge of water projects. The dam is an "earthen dam," meaning it's made mostly from packed dirt and rock, making it very strong.
How Big is the Dam?
The dam stands about 173 feet tall, which is like a 17-story building! It stretches 1050 feet across at the top. It also has a special part called a "morning glory spillway." This looks like a giant funnel and helps safely release extra water when the lake gets too full.
Why Was Silver Jack Dam Built?
The main reason for building the Silver Jack Dam was to store water for irrigation. This means collecting water from the East Fork Cimarron River to help farmers water their crops in the nearby Bostwick Park area. The dam is owned by the Bureau of Reclamation, but a local group, the Bostwick Park Water Conservancy District, helps operate it.
Silver Jack Reservoir: A Place to Explore
The dam creates a lake called Silver Jack Reservoir. This lake covers about 293 acres, which is a little more than 200 football fields! It can hold a lot of water, up to 12,820 acre-feet. An acre-foot is the amount of water needed to cover one acre of land with water one foot deep.
Fun Activities at Silver Jack Reservoir
Silver Jack Reservoir is a popular spot for outdoor activities. Visitors can enjoy:
- Fishing for different kinds of fish
- Camping under the stars
- Boating on the calm waters
- Hunting in designated areas nearby
- Hiking on trails around the lake
It's a great place for families and friends to enjoy nature and have an adventure!
