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.
Tooma Dam is located in New South Wales
Tooma Dam
Location of Tooma Dam in
New South Wales
CountryAustralia
LocationSnowy Mountains, New South Wales
Coordinates36°03′03.4″S 148°16′30.5″E / 36.050944°S 148.275139°E / -36.050944; 148.275139
StatusOperational
Opening date1961
Owner(s)Snowy Hydro
Dam and spillways
Type of damEmbankment dam
ImpoundsTooma River
Height67 metres (220 ft)
Length305 metres (1,001 ft)
Dam volume1,111,000 cubic metres (39,200,000 cu ft)
Spillways1
Spillway capacity1,246 cubic metres per second (44,000 cu ft/s)
Reservoir
CreatesTooma Reservoir
Total capacity28,124 megalitres (993.2×10^6 cu ft)
Catchment area152 square kilometres (59 sq mi)
Surface area180 hectares (440 acres)
Maximum water depth12 metres (39 ft)
Normal elevation1,209 metres (3,967 ft) AHD

The impounded reservoir is called the Tooma Reservoir.

Location and features

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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 (993.2×10^6 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

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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]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ "Thiess, Sir Leslie Charles (Les) (1909–1992)". Australian Dictionary of Biography. Retrieved 3 January 2019.
  2. ^ a b "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.
  3. ^ "Dams". Snowy Mountains Scheme. Snowy Hydro. Archived from the original on 3 May 2013. Retrieved 9 May 2013.
  4. ^ "Tooma Reservoir". Snowy Mountains Fishing. Retrieved 9 May 2013.
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