Swift Reservoir facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Swift Reservoir |
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 Swift Reservoir
Location in Washington (state)
Swift Reservoir
Location in the United States
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| Location | Skamania County, Washington, United States |
| Coordinates | 46°03′N 122°06′W / 46.050°N 122.100°W |
| Type | reservoir |
| Primary inflows | Lewis River |
| Primary outflows | Lewis River |
| Catchment area | 481 square miles (1,250 km2) |
| Basin countries | United States |
| Surface area | 4,620 acres (18.7 km2) |
| Water volume | 755,600 acre-feet (0.932 km3) |
| Surface elevation | 1,012 ft (308 m) |
Swift Reservoir is a large, man-made lake located in the state of Washington, in the United States. It was created on the Lewis River and is found within Skamania County. This important body of water was formed in 1958 when the Swift Dam was built.
Contents
What is a Reservoir?
A reservoir is like a giant bathtub built by people. It's a place where water is collected and stored. This water can then be used for many different things.
Why are Reservoirs Important?
Reservoirs are very useful. They help control floods by holding back extra water during heavy rains. They also store water for drinking, farming, and even for making electricity.
Swift Reservoir's Location
Swift Reservoir is in the southern part of Washington state. It is located in Skamania County. This area is known for its beautiful natural scenery. The reservoir is also part of the Gifford Pinchot National Forest.
How Swift Reservoir Was Made
Swift Reservoir was created by building a very large wall called a dam. This dam is known as the Swift Dam. The dam was finished in 1958. When the dam was built, it blocked the flow of the Lewis River. This caused the river water to back up and form the large lake we now call Swift Reservoir.
Size and Capacity
Swift Reservoir is quite big. It covers an area of about 4,620 acres (which is about 18.7 square kilometers). It can hold a huge amount of water, around 755,600 acre-feet. This is equal to about 0.932 cubic kilometers of water. The surface of the reservoir is about 1,012 feet (308 meters) above sea level.
Purpose of Swift Reservoir
The main purpose of Swift Reservoir is to help generate electricity. The water stored behind Swift Dam is released in a controlled way. This flowing water spins large turbines, which then create clean energy. This process is called hydroelectric power. The reservoir also helps manage the flow of the Lewis River.
