What is the Daniel-Johnson Dam?
The Daniel-Johnson Dam, located in Quebec, Canada, is a hydroelectric power station and one of the largest hydroelectric complexes in the world. With a generating power of 5,616 megawatts, it is one of the most powerful dams in Canada. It was built between 1960 and 1968, and is operated by Hydro-Québec, the largest hydroelectric power producer in Canada.
The Daniel-Johnson Dam is an engineering marvel, and a must-see destination for any traveler interested in the history of hydroelectric power and its impact on the Canadian landscape. Here, we take a closer look at the history and features of this impressive dam.
History of the Daniel-Johnson Dam
The Daniel-Johnson Dam was built to provide hydroelectric power for the province of Quebec, and to help manage flooding in the region. Construction of the dam began in 1960 and was completed in 1968. It is named after Daniel Johnson, Sr., who was the premier of Quebec from 1966 to 1968, when the dam was completed.
The dam is located on the Manicouagan River, and its reservoir, the Manicouagan Reservoir, covers an area of 1,942 square kilometers. This is the fifth-largest reservoir in Canada, and it is used for irrigation, recreation, and flood control in the region.
Features of the Daniel-Johnson Dam
The Daniel-Johnson Dam is an impressive feat of engineering, and it boasts a number of unique features. It is a concrete-gravity dam, which means it is built from concrete and has a gravity-arch design. This allows the structure to resist the force of the water, while also allowing it to move with the water.
The dam is 583 meters long and 128 meters high, and it has a total capacity of 10.5 billion cubic meters. It contains 8 turbines, which generate 5,616 megawatts of electricity. This is enough to power more than two million homes in Quebec.
The Daniel-Johnson Dam also has an impressive spillway, which is used to release excess water during high water levels. This spillway is 724 meters long and can release up to 11,000 cubic meters of water per second.
Visiting the Daniel-Johnson Dam
The Daniel-Johnson Dam is an impressive and awe-inspiring sight, and it is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike. The dam is located in the municipality of Baie-Comeau, which is about a two-hour drive from Quebec City.
The area around the dam is beautiful, and there are numerous hiking trails, parks, and other attractions in the area. Visitors to the dam can explore the area, take in the views, and learn more about the history and features of this impressive structure.
Conclusion
The Daniel-Johnson Dam is an impressive feat of engineering, and it is one of the most powerful hydroelectric complexes in the world. With its impressive size, power output, and spillway, this dam is an impressive and awe-inspiring sight. It is a must-see destination for any traveler interested in the history of hydroelectric power and its impact on the Canadian landscape.