In Napa County, in the US state of California, there is an amazing famous local attraction - a dam located on Lake Berriessa. It has a rather spectacular appearance that does not leave anyone indifferent.
This dam is called in Monticello California. It should be noted that the name did not always refer to the dam.
A bit of history
In this place in the mid-1800s there was a ranch that lasted a little over 20 years, after which the owners sold it. Then in 1866 the town of Monticchiel appeared here. Thanks to fertile land, it has become a real paradise for farmers.
Here was absolutely everything that was required for a completely comfortable life - blacksmith workshops, a department store, hotels and a cemetery. A stagecoach route passed through this city. Monticello existed for about a hundred years until a dam was built here (construction period - 1953-1957).
During the construction of the Monticello Dam, all the vegetation growing in the fertile valley, as well as buildings and structures, were demolished to the very bottom. Even the city cemetery had to be moved to the plateau of Spain (steep rock overlooking the entire valley). Only the Puta Creek bridge was so strong that it could not be destroyed, so it was left in place. He completely went under water.
In the period from 1981 to 1983, a hydroelectric power station with 3 generators was built on the dam. The generated energy, like water, is mainly supplied to North Bay.
Dam Description
The height of the dam is 93 meters, the length of the ridge is 312 meters. In total, 249 thousand cubic meters of concrete were spent on the construction of this grandiose structure.
The Monticello Dam (photo see the article) immediately catches the eye thanks to the peculiar design of the spillway. This is a giant funnel, often called the "hole of glory." Its hole is located about 60 meters from the edge of the dam itself. Water begins to flow into this pipe at a time when its volume in the lake exceeds 2 million cubic meters.
The cone-shaped inlet of the pipe is 21.6 m in diameter. It narrows down to 8.4 m. The funnel has a depth of 21 m. In just one second, this drain can pass more than 1,370 cubic meters. meters of water. At some distance from this unusual hole, beacons are located, protecting the access of swimmers and boaters to this dangerous zone.
Berriessa Lake
It should be noted that this pond is the second largest in California. Its area is 80 square meters. km This area is popular with tourists. Here you can make a trip around the lake on a motorcycle and bike, go to the mountains and even organize a picnic. In a word, guests of these places have the opportunity not only to admire the spectacular and unusual view of the Monticchiel dam, but also to have a great time.
Undoubtedly, the original spillway brought immense popularity to the lake and dam. And if we take into account the fact that under the lake itself there is also the flooded city of Monticello, then the picture seems completely unrealistic. It should be noted that this place looks most spectacular in the rainy season. It was during this period that rapid and turbulent streams of water rush into this terrifying funnel. Monticello Dam fulfills its mission.
Finally
In 1947, the government of Solano County, together with the Land Reclamation Bureau, developed the same project to create a unique reservoir that includes several channels, dams and other systems. Despite the active protests of the residents of Monticello, this plan, with the support of Governor E. Woren, was adopted and implemented.
Today, some lovers of the thrills (cyclists, scooters and skateboarders) in the summer days without rains, when the water surface in the lake is below the inlet of this unusual drain funnel, use the horizontal part of the drain for training as a pipe (outlet). They get to it either by swimming, or on special rafts.