Gavins Point Dam - Omaha District US Army Corps of Engineers

OMAHA DISTRICT

Home
 
Home > Missions > Dam and Lake Projects

Recreation, Dams & Hydropower

Fact Sheets

Water Safety
Recreation.gov
Dam and Hydropower projects are part of what makes the Corps the largest provider of water-based outdoor recreation in the nation. The Omaha District has several lake and river projects providing diverse recreational opportunities.
Collapse All Expand All
Click here to expand contentClick here to collapse content  Recreation
Visitors of all ages can enjoy traditional activities like hiking, boating, fishing, camping and hunting, and for those slightly more adventurous there is snorkeling, windsurfing, whitewater rafting, mountain biking and geo-caching. Regardless of your favorite outdoor activity one thing is certain, recreation enriches people's lives. A visit to an Army Corps of Engineers' recreation area can strengthen family ties and friendships; create unforgettable memories and connect people to nature that will last a lifetime.
Click here to expand contentClick here to collapse content  Dams
Between 1932 and 1957, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers built six main stem dams and many smaller dams along Missouri River tributaries. These, along with a system of federal and private levees, reduce flooding risks for urban and agricultural property and lives throughout the Missouri River watershed. The Omaha District estimates that this system has prevented an estimated billions in damages in today's dollars.
Click here to expand contentClick here to collapse content  Hydropower
Many of these projects, which were built primarily for navigation, flood control or other purposes, are also used for hydropower production. The Corps is the Nation's largest single producer of hydroelectricity. Nationwide, the Corps operates 75 hydropower projects, housing 349 generator units with a total capacity of 20.7 million kilowatts, or about 3.5 percent of the Nation's total electric power production.

Photos

Image Not Found
Caption
Oahe Park Rangers stand in front of a visitor information pavilion constructed as part of an Eagle Scout project.
Fireworks celebrating the 50th Anniversary Oahe Dam.
US Army Corps of Engineers Park Ranger provides a tour for the public of the Oahe Powerplant.
Raptor Center employee Laura Freeman talking about an American kestrel with a group at Gavins Point
Raptor Center employee Laura Freeman talking about a Krider
Raptor Center employee Laura Freeman with a great-horned owl at Gavins Points annual Bald Eagle Days program.

News Releases

Corps enters partnership with Collingsworth Foundation to promote water safety

1/22/2013
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Omaha District has formally partnered with the Joshua Collingsworth Memorial Foundation to promote water safety within the Omaha District including Montana, North Dakota, Wyoming, South Dakota, Colorado and Nebraska.

Free weekend event will educate public about bald eagles

1/18/2013
Bald Eagle Days, a free public event sponsored by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the National Park Service, is set for Saturday and Sunday, Jan. 26 and 27 at the Lewis and Clark Visitor Center.

Winter Access policy for Corps recreation areas in North Dakota now available

12/17/2012
The 2012-2013 winter access policy for western and central North Dakota including Lake Sakakawea and Lake Audubon is now available. Ryan Newman, lake manager, said, "The lake has not yet frozen over, but with the recent cold weather it won’t be long. We urge everyone to exercise extreme caution. Thin ice or open water may exist near springs and pressure ridges throughout the winter."

Cottonwood Campground at Gavins Point Dam to close for the season

11/29/2012
Cottonwood Campground, operated by the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers, Gavins Point Project, will close for the season at 8 a.m. on Monday, Dec. 10, 2012.

News Stories

Building Strong