Waterbury Dam facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Waterbury Dam |
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|---|---|
| Official name | Waterbury Dam |
| Location | Waterbury, Vermont |
| Coordinates | 44°22′54″N 72°46′18″W / 44.38167°N 72.77167°W |
| Construction began | 1935 |
| Opening date | 1938 |
| Operator(s) | State of Vermont |
| Dam and spillways | |
| Impounds | Little River |
| Height | 190 ft (58 m) |
| Length | 1,845 ft (562 m) |
| Reservoir | |
| Creates | Waterbury Reservoir |
The Waterbury Dam is a large structure in Vermont, USA. It was built between 1935 and 1938. This dam is very important because it helps control the flow of the Little River. It also creates a big lake called the Waterbury Reservoir.
Why the Dam Was Built
Before the dam, Vermont had a very bad flood in 1927. The Winooski River caused a lot of damage and sadly, many people lost their lives. To prevent such disasters from happening again, the Waterbury Dam was planned. It was one of three dams built to control the rivers in the area.
About 2,000 workers helped build the dam. They were part of the United States Army Corps of Engineers. Their hard work made the dam a reality, protecting the towns downstream from future floods.
How the Dam Works
The Waterbury Dam has two main jobs. First, it helps with flood control. When there's a lot of rain or melting snow, the dam holds back the extra water. This stops the river from overflowing its banks and flooding nearby homes and farms.
Second, the dam also makes electricity. It uses the power of the flowing water to generate energy. On average, the dam produces enough electricity to power many homes each year. This makes it a source of clean energy for the region.
Building the Dam
The dam is very long, stretching about 1,845 feet (562 meters). It's made from a huge amount of material, including over 2.2 million cubic yards (1.7 million cubic meters) of earth and rock. In the middle, there's a special section made of clay.
The large rocks that form the dam's walls were carefully placed by hand when it was first built in 1938. Later, in 1957 and 1958, some parts of the dam were updated to make it even safer and stronger.
Location of the Dam
The Waterbury Dam and the Waterbury Reservoir are located in the town of Waterbury, Vermont. This area is in the northwestern part of Washington County. The reservoir is a popular spot for outdoor activities like boating and fishing.
Media
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Waterbury Dam from the west side of the Little River
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Structure on top of the Waterbury Dam, with a plaque by the door
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Plaque on the structure on top of the dam
