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10 interesting facts about The Mansfield Dam!

Mansfield dam

Introduction to the Mansfield Dam

Say, do you know what they say about the Mansfield Dam in Texas? It’s the big daddy of dams, formerly known as the ‘Marshall Ford Dam’, and rightly so, as it’s one of the largest dams in the entire United States! This colossal construction is home to a whopping eleven generators that juice up the state with power. But wait, there’s more functions related to this dam including all the other dams. This mammoth structure also doubles as a flood control measure for the region, making it a critical component of Texas’ infrastructure. So, if you ever find yourself in the area, do yourself a favor and swing by Mansfield Dam – it’s a breathtaking sight to see!

Mansfield Dam is a gravity dam on the Colorado River in Austin, Texas

Mansfield Dam is a gravity dam on the Colorado River in Austin, Texas. The dam was constructed between 1941 and 1946 by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers as part of the Highland Lakes project to provide flood control, electric power generation, and water storage for the city of Austin. The dam impounds Lake Travis, one of Texas’s largest reservoirs.

Mansfield Dam is named after Jack Mansfield, who was instrumental in securing financing for the construction of the dam. The dam is located just upstream from Lady Bird Lake (formerly Town Lake), which was created by a previous dam on the Colorado River.

The Mansfield Dam spillway is unique in that it uses two “cells” to release water. Water flows into the first cell and over the spillway crest when the lake level rises above 681 feet (208 meters). If the lake level continues to rise, water will flow into the second cell and over a second crest, which is higher than the first. This allows for a controlled release of water from the reservoir, even during periods of heavy rainfall.

Behold, the Mansfield Dam Power Plant – a mighty energy-producing marvel that harnesses the power of water to generate electricity through six massive turbines. This powerhouse of a plant boasts an impressive capacity of 190 megawatts, providing ample energy to light up the lives of over 200,000 homes. The power plant’s ingenious system of transforming water into electrical power is a remarkable feat of engineering, and a testament to the boundless potential of renewable energy. With its awe-inspiring efficiency and impressive output, the Mansfield Dam Power Plant stands as a shining example of innovation and sustainability in action.

The dam is named after James Mansfield, the engineer who designed it

Mansfield Dam is a dam located in the U.S. state of Texas. The dam is named after James Mansfield, the engineer who designed it.  Lake Travis is used for recreation, flood control, and water supply.

The dam was completed in 1957

Mansfield Dam is a dam located in Travis County, Texas. This dam was completed in 1957 and impounds Lake Travis. After John Mansfield, the dam was named and surveyed the area in the 1850s. It is owned and operated by the Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA).

Mansfield Dam is 6,800 feet (2,100 m) long and 260 feet (79 m) high. The dam has a concrete gravity section and earth embankment sections. The concrete gravity section is 1,700 feet (520 m) long and 160 feet (49 m) high. The earth embankment sections are 5,100 feet (1,550 m) long and 150 feet (46 m) high.

The spillway is located on the left side of the dam and has 27 gates that are each 24 feet (7.3 m) wide and 12 feet (3.7 m) tall. The spillway has a capacity of 340,000 cubic feet per second (9,600 m3/s). The power plant is located on the right side of the dam and has six generators that each have a capacity of 73 megawatts (98,000 hp).

The dam’s purpose is to provide flood control and hydroelectric power

Well, let me tell you about a remarkable structure that was erected in the early 1940s to tackle two problems at once – floods and power shortages in Austin, Texas. It’s called the Mansfield Dam, and it’s quite a sight to behold!

Named after the then-mayor of Austin, James Mansfield, this concrete gravity dam is 200 feet tall and stretches a whopping 2,400 feet in length! Can you even imagine the engineering marvel that went into constructing this behemoth?

But wait, there’s more! The Mansfield Dam comes equipped with not one, not two, but six spillways, strategically placed to release water during times of high river flow. I mean, talk about preparedness!

And if that wasn’t enough, the dam even boasts two hydroelectric power plants that generate electricity for the entire city of Austin. Now, that’s what you call killing two birds with one stone (or dam, in this case)!

So, the next time you’re in the vicinity of the Colorado River, make sure to swing by and marvel at the impressive Mansfield Dam. Who knows, you might just learn a thing or two about flood control and power generation in the process!

Mansfield Dam is one of the tallest dams in the United States

This dam is situated on Lake Travis, a reservoir on the Colorado River in central Texas. Mansfield Dam was constructed between 1941 and 1942 as part of the then-new water diversion project for the city of Austin, Texas. At its completion, Mansfield Dam was the tallest dam in the United States at 381 feet (116 m).

It is named for Jack Mansfield, an early Austin settler and landowner whose 1838 log cabin still stands near the site of the dam. Mansfield Dam impounds Lake Travis, which extends 65 miles (105 km) upriver from Austin. The lake serves as a recreational area for boating and fishing and is also a major water source for central Texas.

Mansfield Dam is a concrete gravity dam with spillway

Well, let me tell you about a remarkable structure that was erected in the early 1940s to tackle two problems at once – floods and power shortages in Austin, Texas. It’s called the Mansfield Dam, and it’s quite a sight to behold!

Named after the then-mayor of Austin, James Mansfield, this concrete gravity dam is 200 feet tall and stretches a whopping 2,400 feet in length! Can you even imagine the engineering marvel that went into constructing this behemoth?

But wait, there’s more! The Mansfield Dam comes equipped with not one, not two, but six spillways, strategically placed to release water during times of high river flow. I mean, talk about preparedness!

And if that wasn’t enough, the dam even boasts two hydroelectric power plants that generate electricity for the entire city of Austin. Now, that’s what you call killing two birds with one stone (or dam, in this case)!

So, the next time you’re in the vicinity of the Colorado River, make sure to swing by and marvel at the impressive Mansfield Dam. Who knows, you might just learn a thing or two about flood control and power generation in the process!

s on both sides to release floodwaters. The main spillway is located on the right side of the dam and can release up to 82,000 cubic feet per second (2,300 m3/s). The left spillway is used only during exceptional floods and can release up to 264,000 cubic feet per second (7,500 m3/s).

The dam has a length of 2,800 feet and a height of 260 feet

This dam is located in the U.S state Texas. The dam is of 2,800 feet in length and a height of 260 feet. The dam impounds Lake Travis, a reservoir on the Colorado River in central Texas. The lake is used for recreation, flood control, and power generation.

Mansfield Dam is a hydroelectric dam in the U.S. state of Texas

Mansfield Dam is a hydroelectric dam that was built in 1941. The dam is located on the Colorado River about 20 miles (32 km) northwest of Austin. The primary purpose of the dam is to serve as a cooling pond for the nearby Steam Electric Station, a coal-fired power plant owned and operated by the Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA). Mansfield Dam also provides flood control and recreation, including Lake Travis, one of the largest reservoirs in Texas.

The dam is named after Fort Worth attorney John A. Mansfield who worked tirelessly to secure its construction. When completed, Mansfield Dam was the tallest roller-compacted concrete dam in the world at 360 feet (110 m). It remained the tallest until 1986 when it was surpassed by Hoover Dam’s new outlet towers.

The dam impounds Lake Travis, one of the largest reservoirs in Texas

Lake Travis is a man-made reservoir located in the Hill Country. The dam impounds the Colorado River and forms Lake Travis. Taking a look back, the construction of this dam began in 1937 , lake Travis and the dam has a combinedly long history and was completed in 1941. The dam is named after Robert E. Mansfield, who was the chief engineer on the project.

Lake Travis is one of the largest reservoirs in Texas and is a popular recreation spot for boating, swimming, and fishing. The lake has a capacity of more than 1.5 million acre-feet (1.9 trillion gallons). It is also a major source of water for Central Texas cities such as Austin and San Antonio.

The dam was completed in 1941 and serves as a source of hydroelectric power for the Austin area

The Mansfield Dam was completed in 1941 and serves as a source of hydroelectric power for the Austin area. The dam is located on the Colorado River in Travis County, Texas. The dam’s reservoir, Lake Travis, is the largest lake wholly within the state of Texas. The dam is named for its creator and first owner, Daniel Mansfield.

Future of Mansfield Dam

The future of Mansfield Dam is partially unclear. There has bee studies conducted in The City of Austin about the possibility of removing the dam to allow for a more natural flow of the river and to improve water quality, but there are no concrete plans to remove the dam at this time.

Conclusion

If you’re ever in Austin, Texas, and looking for a perfect spot to enjoy the great outdoors, don’t forget to swing by Mansfield Dam! Trust us, you won’t be disappointed. With its breathtaking views, cozy picnic areas, and hiking trails that would make even the most seasoned hiker giddy with excitement, this place is an absolute must-see! And the best part? It’s completely free! So, what are you waiting for? Get out there and explore!

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