Virginia Smith Dam facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Virginia Smith Dam |
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 Location of Virginia Smith Dam in Nebraska
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| Country | United States |
| Location | Garfield County, Nebraska, United States. |
| Coordinates | 41°50′00″N 99°12′00″W / 41.8333°N 99.2000°W |
| Status | Operational |
| Owner(s) | U.S. Bureau of Reclamation |
| Dam and spillways | |
| Type of dam | Embankment |
| Impounds | Calamus River |
| Height | 96 ft (29 m) |
| Length | 5,808 ft (1,770 m) |
| Reservoir | |
| Creates | Calamus Reservoir |
| Total capacity | 27,400 acre⋅ft (33,797,402 m3) |
| Catchment area | 147 sq mi (381 km2) |
| Surface area | 5,123 acres (2,073 ha) |
| Maximum length | 10 mi (16 km) |
| Normal elevation | 2,244 feet msl |
| Website U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, Virginia Smith Dam |
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The Virginia Smith Dam, also known as Calamus Dam, is a large dam located in Garfield County, Nebraska, in the United States. It sits about five miles northwest of the town of Burwell. This important structure helps manage the water from the Calamus River.
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Building the Dam
The Virginia Smith Dam is an earthen dam. This means it was built using natural materials like soil, sand, and rock. It was finished in 1985. The dam stands 96 feet (about 29 meters) tall and stretches 5,808 feet (about 1,770 meters) across.
The dam was built by the United States Bureau of Reclamation. This government agency helps manage water resources. The dam's main jobs are to store water for irrigation and to help control floods. It is part of a much bigger project called the Pick–Sloan Missouri Basin Program. This program involves many states and helps manage water across a large area.
The Bureau of Reclamation owns the dam. However, a local group called the Twin Loup Irrigation District helps operate it.
Calamus Reservoir: A Big Lake
The dam creates a large lake called Calamus Reservoir. This reservoir is a big body of water. It covers about 5,142 acres (over 2,000 hectares) when full. The reservoir also has about 31 miles (50 kilometers) of shoreline. It can hold a lot of water, up to 27,400 acre-feet.
Most of the reservoir is located in Loup County, Nebraska, which is west of Garfield County. The dam itself is in Garfield County.
Fun at Calamus Reservoir
Calamus Reservoir is a popular spot for outdoor activities. Many people visit the area for fun and relaxation.
Fishing and Boating
Fishing is a big draw at the reservoir. You can catch many types of fish here. Some popular fish include walleye, wiper, white bass, northern pike, largemouth bass, rainbow trout, and crappie. Boating is also a favorite activity on the lake.
Other Activities
Besides fishing and boating, visitors can enjoy other outdoor adventures. These include hunting, camping, and hiking. The area around the reservoir is part of the Calamus Reservoir State Recreation Area. It is also a Wildlife Management Area. This means it's a special place for both people and animals.
The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission manages the lake and the public lands around it. They work to keep the area nice for everyone.
