Stockton Lake facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Stockton Lake |
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Stockton Lake and Dam
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 Stockton Lake
Location in Missouri
Stockton Lake
Location in the United States
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| Location | Cedar / Dade / Polk counties, Missouri, United States |
| Coordinates | 37°38′34″N 93°46′15″W / 37.6428°N 93.7707°W |
| Type | reservoir |
| Primary inflows | Sac River, Little Sac River |
| Primary outflows | Sac River |
| Basin countries | United States |
| Surface area | 39 sq mi (100 km2) |
Stockton Lake is a large, man-made lake in Missouri, USA. It is located where Cedar, Dade, and Polk counties meet. This 'V' shaped lake covers about 39 square miles (101 square kilometers). It has 298 miles (480 kilometers) of shoreline.
Stockton Lake is one of Missouri's seven main man-made lakes. It was created in 1969 when the Sac River was blocked by a dam near the city of Stockton. The lake has three marinas and ten public areas for visitors. It also has a "non-development policy." This means the land around it stays natural, with lots of trees and hills. The Army Corps of Engineers owns and manages the lake's banks.
Three state highways cross the lake using six bridges. A pipeline also carries water from Stockton Lake to Fellows Lake. This helps supply water to the city of Springfield. Stockton Lake has many quiet coves. These spots are great for water sports like wakeboarding and water skiing because they are protected from the wind.
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Stockton Dam: How It Works
The Stockton Dam is a big structure that helps control floods and make electricity. It was built by the Army Corps of Engineers. The dam is 5,100 feet (1,554 meters) long and stands 153 feet (47 meters) above the Sac River.
Making Electricity at Stockton Dam
The dam has a special power plant that uses water to create electricity. This is called hydroelectric power. When the lake first opened in 1969, it had one large machine called a turbine. This turbine was designed to spin and power a generator, making electricity.
In 2009, a part of the original turbine broke. It was a very heavy blade, weighing 9,000 pounds (4,082 kilograms)! This caused the power plant to shut down. Engineers tried to fix the old turbine, but they found it wasn't the best fit for the dam.
Upgrading the Power Plant
Because of the problems, a brand-new turbine was designed and installed. This big upgrade cost $48 million. The new turbine has seven blades instead of six and is much more efficient. It can now produce more electricity, up to 52 megawatts.
The upgrades also included:
- A new, more powerful turbine.
- Rewiring the generator.
- New digital systems to control the generator.
- Repairs to other parts of the plant.
- Replacing the main power transformer.
The Stockton Power Plant now produces enough electricity to power many homes. The new turbine started working in January 2015. The old turbine was placed on a display stand near the dam.
Fun Activities at Stockton Lake
Stockton Lake is a popular spot for many outdoor activities.
Horseback Riding Trails
The lake has a special trail for horseback riding. It is about 15 miles (24 kilometers) long. This trail follows the lake's edge from Hawker Point to Orleans Trail Campgrounds. It's also great for hikers and mountain bikers, but no motorized vehicles are allowed.
Sailing on the Lake
Stockton Lake is known for its excellent sailing conditions. Winds from Oklahoma and Kansas often blow across the lake, making it perfect for sailboats. About one-third of the lake's 300 miles (480 kilometers) of shoreline is open to sailboats. Bridges on Highway 215 and 245 limit how far boats can go, but there's still plenty of space for sailing.
The Stockton Yacht Club holds sailboat races on the lake every year. One of the most important races is called the Governor's Cup Regatta. Many boats join this exciting event.
Images for kids
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Stockton Lake and Dam
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Boaters anchored together enjoying a day on Stockton Lake.
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Sailing is a very popular activity at Stockton Lake.
