Near Alcova in Natrona County, Wyoming — The American West (Mountains)

Alcova Reservoir

Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, May 31, 2016

1. Alcova Reservoir Marker

Inscription. Click to hear the inscription.

Located in central Wyoming's North Platte River Valley, Alcova Reservoir plays an important role in water conservation, irrigation, and hydroelectric generation. Alcova Reservoir was originally proposed in 1904 as part of a series of irrigation projects designed to support the irrigation needs of the North Platte River Valley. Alcova Reservoir and Seminoe Reservoir, located 37 miles upstream from Alcova Reservoir, were part of what became known as the Kendrick Project. This project was designed to divert north (sic) Platte River water into the 200-mile Casper Canal system serving Kendrick Irrigation Project lands downstream.
The Alcova Dam, constructed between 1935 and 1938 during the Great Depression, is an earth and rockfall embankment structure 265 feet high and 763 feet across the crest. It was constructed by the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation and provides additional benefits for flood control and power production. Alcova Dam is located in the narrow canyon that was created when the North Platte River cut through a Pennsylvania Tensleep sandstone formation that was geologically formed around 300 million years ago. The reservoir backs

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up against the northeast shoulder of the Granite Mountain uplift.
Today, Alcova Reservoir possesses numerous facilities designed for all types of outdoor and water recreation activities. Six campgrounds, eight boat ramps, a marina concession area, and interpretive trails provide enjoyment and easy access.

Erected by Wyoming State Parks and Cultural Resources.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Man-Made Features.

Location. 42° 33.162′ N, 106° 47.946′ W. Marker is near Alcova, Wyoming, in Natrona County. Marker is on State Highway 220 near County Route 409, on the left when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Alcova WY 82620, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 9 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Pathfinder Dam Construction (approx. 4.2 miles away); Fremont Canyon Power Plant (approx. 5.6 miles away); Fremont Canyon (approx. 5.6 miles away); Lure of the West (approx. 7½ miles away); And On the Horizon... (approx. 7½ miles away); Marking Their Progress (approx. 7½ miles away); A Look Back (approx. 7½ miles away); Willow Springs (approx. 8.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Alcova.

Also see . . . Alcova Dam and Reservoir - WyoHistory.

Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, May 31, 2016

2. Alcova Reservoir Marker

The Casper Chamber of Commerce and Casper newspapers began lobbying for construction of Alcova Dam began as early as 1905, when Pathfinder Dam was being built in Fremont Canyon, just upstream of Alcova, for flood control and water storage. Most of the stored water was reserved for Nebraska farmlands, and many Wyomingites who wanted a water source for local agriculture began to promote a second dam for the purpose. The main obstacle to the construction was that it would be a major undertaking requiring federal funding and support. (Submitted on July 1, 2016, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.)

Credits. This page was last revised on July 5, 2016. It was originally submitted on July 1, 2016, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 596 times since then and 66 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on July 1, 2016, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.