Townshend Dam facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Townshend Dam |
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Townshend Lake, Vermont
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| Country | United States |
| Coordinates | 43°3′9.58″N 72°42′9.68″W / 43.0526611°N 72.7026889°W |
| Dam and spillways | |
| Height (foundation) | 126 feet (38 m) |
| Length | 1,700 feet (520 m) |
| Reservoir | |
| Total capacity | 800 acre-feet (987,000 m3) |
| Surface area | 95 acres (38 ha) |
The Townshend Dam is a large structure located in Townshend, a town in Windham County, Vermont. It plays an important role in managing the West River.
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What is the Townshend Dam?
The Townshend Dam is a special type of dam called an earthen dam. This means it is built mostly from earth, rock, and clay. It was finished in 1961 by the United States Army Corps of Engineers.
How Big is the Dam?
The dam stands about 126 feet (38 meters) tall. That's roughly as high as a 12-story building! It stretches for 1700 feet (518 meters) across the river. This is about five football fields long.
Why Was the Dam Built?
The main reason for building the Townshend Dam was to control floods. It helps to stop the West River from overflowing its banks during heavy rains or when snow melts quickly. This protects homes and land downstream from being damaged by too much water. The dam also helps manage the river's water levels throughout the year.
Townshend Lake: A Man-Made Lake
Behind the dam, a body of water called Townshend Lake has formed. This lake is a reservoir, which is a man-made lake used to store water.
How Big is Townshend Lake?
Townshend Lake covers about 95 acres (38 hectares) when the water level is normal. This is about the size of 70 football fields! The lake can hold a lot of water, especially during big storms.
Fun Things to Do at Townshend Lake
Townshend Lake is a great place for outdoor activities. You can go fishing for different types of fish, like smallmouth bass, brown trout, and rainbow trout. Boating is also popular on the lake. If you enjoy walking or hiking, there are trails nearby. You can also visit the Townshend State Park, which is right next to the lake and offers more facilities for visitors.
