Tooma Dam
Tooma Dam is a major ungated earthen embankment dam across the Tooma River in the Snowy Mountains of New South Wales, Australia. The dam's main purpose is for the generation of hydro-power and is one of the sixteen major dams that comprise the Snowy Mountains Scheme, a vast hydroelectricity and irrigation complex constructed in south-east Australia between 1949 and 1974 and now run by Snowy Hydro.
| Tooma Dam | |
|---|---|
 Aerial view over Tooma Dam and Reservoir, 2009. | |
  Location of Tooma Dam in New South Wales | |
| Country | Australia |
| Location | Snowy Mountains, New South Wales |
| Coordinates | 36°03′03.4″S 148°16′30.5″E |
| Status | Operational |
| Opening date | 1961 |
| Owner(s) | Snowy Hydro |
| Dam and spillways | |
| Type of dam | Embankment dam |
| Impounds | Tooma River |
| Height | 67 metres (220 ft) |
| Length | 305 metres (1,001 ft) |
| Dam volume | 1,111,000 cubic metres (39,200,000 cu ft) |
| Spillways | 1 |
| Spillway capacity | 1,246 cubic metres per second (44,000 cu ft/s) |
| Reservoir | |
| Creates | Tooma Reservoir |
| Total capacity | 28,124 megalitres (993.2×106 cu ft) |
| Catchment area | 152 square kilometres (59 sq mi) |
| Surface area | 180 hectares (440 acres) |
| Maximum water depth | 12 metres (39 ft) |
| Normal elevation | 1,209 metres (3,967 ft) AHD |
The impounded reservoir is called the Tooma Reservoir.
Location and features
Completed by Theiss Brothers in 1961,[1] Tooma Dam is a major dam, located near the village of Tooma and approximately 21 kilometres (13 mi) from the town of Khancoban. The dam was constructed by Societe Dumez based on engineering plans developed under contract by the Snowy Mountains Hydroelectric Authority.[2] Construction of the dam did not flood any towns or villages as it did in at Talbingo
The dam wall comprising 111,100 cubic metres (3,920,000 cu ft) of concrete is 67 metres (220 ft) high and 305 metres (1,001 ft) long. At 100% capacity the dam wall holds back 28,124 megalitres (993.2×106 cu ft) of water. The surface area of Tooma Reservoir is 180 hectares (440 acres) and the catchment area is 152 square kilometres (59 sq mi). The spillway is capable of discharging 1,246 cubic metres per second (44,000 cu ft/s).[2][3]
Recreation
Tooma Reservoir is a popular alpine fishing location; and holds both Brown and Rainbow trout. Camping is permitted in the Clover Flat Camping area. Campers are encouraged to carry their own water supplies.[4]
References
- "Thiess, Sir Leslie Charles (Les) (1909–1992)". Australian Dictionary of Biography. Retrieved 3 January 2019.
- "Register of Large Dams in Australia". Dams information. The Australian National Committee on Large Dams Incorporated. 2010. Archived from the original (Excel (requires download)) on 12 December 2013. Retrieved 9 May 2013.
- "Dams". Snowy Mountains Scheme. Snowy Hydro. Archived from the original on 3 May 2013. Retrieved 9 May 2013.
- "Tooma Reservoir". Snowy Mountains Fishing. Retrieved 9 May 2013.
External links
- Bevitt, R.; Erskine, W.; Gillespie, G.; Harriss, J.; Lake, P.; Miners, B.; Varley, I. (May 2009). "Expert panel environmental flow assessment of various rivers affected by the Snowy Mountains Scheme". NSW Department of Water and Energy. ISBN 978-0-7347-5656-5.
