Rathbun Lake
| Rathbun Lake | |
|---|---|
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| Location | Appanoose County, Iowa |
| Coordinates | 40°51′N 92°55′W / 40.850°N 92.917°WCoordinates: 40°51′N 92°55′W / 40.850°N 92.917°W |
| Type | reservoir |
| Primary inflows | Chariton River |
| Primary outflows | Chariton River |
| Catchment area | 549 sq mi (1,422 km2) |
| Basin countries | United States |
| Max. length | 21 mi (34 km) |
| Surface area | 11,000 acres (44.52 km2) max: 21,000 acres (84.98 km2) |
| Surface elevation | 904 ft (276 m) |
Rathbun Lake was constructed and is operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Located at Chariton River mile marker 142, approximately 7 miles north of Centerville, Iowa, in Appanoose County, it is one of the largest lakes in Iowa. The lake was constructed to control flooding, provide recreation opportunities, abate stream pollution, fish and wildlife enhancement, and maintain minimum stream flow on the Chariton, Missouri, and Mississippi Rivers. The Chariton and South Fork of the Chariton River are the major sources of water flowing into Rathbun Lake.
The construction of Rathbun Dam and Reservoir was authorized by the Flood Control Act of 1954 (Public Law 83-780). Construction of the dam and embankment began in September 1964. The dam itself is rolled earthfill construction and is 10,129 feet long, 30 feet wide at the top, and rises 100 feet above the streambed. Operation as a multi-purpose unit began November 1969 and the top of multi-purpose pool (904 msl) was reached on October 10, 1970. Rathbun Lake was dedicated July 31, 1971 with President Richard Nixon being the keynote speaker.
Camping, sightseeing, fishing, boating, picnicking and hunting are favorite activities on and near Rathbun Lake. The lake’s fish and wildlife resources provide sightseers, fisherman, and hunters ample opportunities for their sports. Bald eagles, white-tailed deer, Canada geese, wild turkey, crappie, walleye, channel catfish and other wildlife can be found at Rathbun Lake. The size of the lake combined with the prevailing winds make Rathbun Lake one of the best sailing lakes in Iowa. One marina concession area, Buck Creek Marina (near the dam), provides a full line of marina services. Rathbun Lake is home to the Rathbun Yacht Club.
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Wikipedia