Littlerock Dam and Reservoir

Summary

The Little Rock Dam, constructed in 1924 and renovated in 1994, is a crucial water storage facility for the growing community of Little Rock. Engineered by John Eastwood, it was once the largest multiple arch dam, standing 124 feet high and 576 feet wide. Controversies in 1932 revolved around the spillway design, especially after the St. Francis dam failure. Sediment removal is vital for maintaining water storage capacity, crucial during droughts, but is complicated by the presence of the endangered Diorio toad in the watershed area. The dam's reservoir is replenished by natural runoff and rainfall, with water transferred to Lake Palmdale for treatment and distribution.

Takeaways

• 🏗️ The Little Rock dam was constructed in 1924 and was the largest multiple arch dam at that time.
• 👷 John Eastwood, a renowned engineer in the Western Region, was responsible for the dam's construction.
• 🌊 The dam's design was innovative, featuring a 124 feet high and 576 feet wide multiple arch structure, which was new to the area.
• 💦 The dam's primary purpose was for water storage to meet the needs of a growing community.
• 🚨 In 1932, controversy arose over the dam's spillway design and function, following the St. Francis dam failure.
• 🔄 The Little Rock dam was renovated in 1994 to increase the reservoir's storage capacity by removing sediment.
• 🌊 Sediment removal is crucial for maintaining water storage capacity, as accumulated dirt can limit the dam's ability to hold water.
• 🌧️ The dam and reservoir are replenished by natural runoff from snow packs and rainfall in the local mountains.
• 🐸 The Diorio toad, an endangered species, inhabits the watershed area of the dam, affecting sediment removal operations.
• 🛠️ Mitigation efforts are necessary due to the presence of the endangered species to safely remove accumulated sediment.
• 💧 Water from the Little Rock reservoir is transferred to Lake Palmdale and then treated for distribution.

Q & A

What was the primary purpose of constructing the Little Rock dam?

The Little Rock dam was built primarily for storage to meet the growing community's storage needs.

When was the Little Rock dam constructed and what made it significant at the time?

The Little Rock dam was constructed in 1924 and was the biggest and tallest multiple arch dam at that time.

Who was the engineer responsible for the construction of the Little Rock dam?

John Eastwood was the engineer responsible for the construction of the dam, and he was well known in the Western Region for dam construction.

What controversy arose in 1932 regarding the Little Rock dam?

The controversy in 1932 was mainly about the spillway design and function of the Little Rock dam, following the failure of the St. Francis dam just four years prior.

What was the role of the new state agency in the context of the Little Rock dam?

The new state agency was overseeing dam safety, which was particularly relevant after the St. Francis dam failure and in the context of the Little Rock dam's spillway design controversy.

When was the Little Rock dam renovated and why?

The Little Rock dam was renovated in 1994 to increase the storage capacity of the reservoir.

Why is removing sediment from the Little Rock dam important?

Removing sediment is important because accumulated dirt behind the dam takes the place of water that could be stored, limiting the dam's ability to store water, which is crucial especially after droughts.

What impact did the Diorio toad have on the operation of the Little Rock dam?

The Diorio toad, an endangered species found in the watershed area of the dam, had a significant impact on the ability to utilize the dam and remove sediment due to the need for mitigation measures.

How is the Little Rock dam and reservoir fed?

The Little Rock dam and reservoir are fed by natural runoff from snow packs in the local mountains and from rainfall.

What happens to the water after it enters Lake Palmdale?

After entering Lake Palmdale, the water is transferred to the district's water treatment plant where it is treated for distribution.

What is the significance of water storage in the context of the Little Rock dam?

Water storage is very important, especially after experiencing droughts, as it ensures a valuable resource for the community and enhances the dam's ability to serve its purpose.