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What dam was built in 1938 on the Colorado River?

Published in Colorado River Dams 2 mins read

The Parker Dam was completed in 1938 on the Colorado River.

Parker Dam is a vital structure along the Colorado River, playing a crucial role in water supply and power generation for the Southwestern United States.

Key Details about Parker Dam

  • Completion Year: The construction of Parker Dam was finalized in 1938.
  • Location: It spans the border between Arizona and California, impounding the waters of the Colorado River to form Lake Havasu.
  • Primary Purpose: The dam's main function is to divert water into the Colorado River Aqueduct, which supplies drinking water to various communities in Southern California, including the sprawling Los Angeles metropolitan area. It also contributes significantly to hydroelectric power generation.
  • Unique Feature: Notably, Parker Dam holds the distinction of being the deepest dam in the world, with more than 73% of its total structural height submerged below the riverbed.

Major Dams on the Colorado River System by Completion Year

To provide context on the development of the Colorado River infrastructure, here is a look at some of the major dams and their respective completion years:

Dam Name States Involved Year Completed
Hoover Dam Arizona, Nevada 1936
Parker Dam Arizona, California 1938
Davis Dam Arizona, Nevada 1951
Glen Canyon Dam Arizona 1966

This overview highlights that while the iconic Hoover Dam was completed a few years earlier, Parker Dam was the next major dam on the Colorado River system to be finished in 1938, underscoring its importance in the region's water and power infrastructure development. These dams collectively manage the flow of the Colorado River, providing essential resources for agriculture, urban populations, and energy production across multiple states.