In Napa County, in the US state of California, there is an amazing famous local landmark - a dam located on Lake Berryessa. It has a rather spectacular look that does not leave anyone indifferent.
This dam in California is called Monticello. It should be noted that the name did not always refer to the dam.
A bit of history
At this place in the mid-1800s there was a ranch that existed for a little over 20 years, after which the owners sold it. Then, in 1866, the town of Monticello appeared here. Thanks to the fertile land, it has become a real paradise for farmers.
There was absolutely everything that was required for a completely comfortable life - blacksmith shops, a general 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 vegetation growing infertile valley, as well as buildings and structures were demolished to the very foundation. Even the city cemetery had to be moved to the Spain Plateau (a 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 is completely submerged.
In the period from 1981 to 1983, a hydroelectric power plant for 3 generators was built on the dam. The energy generated, as well as water, is supplied mainly to North Bay.
Dam Description
The height of the dam is 93 meters, the length of the crest is 312 meters. In total, 249 thousand cubic meters of concrete were spent on the construction of this grandiose structure.
The Monticello Dam (see photo in the article) immediately catches the eye due to the peculiar design of the spillway. This is a giant funnel, often referred to as the "glory hole". Its opening is located about 60 meters from the edge of the dam itself. Water begins to flow into this pipe at the moment when its volume in the lake exceeds 2 million cubic meters.
The inlet of the pipe, which has the shape of a cone, is 21.6 m in diameter. From top to bottom, it narrows and reaches 8.4 m. The funnel has a depth of 21 m.. meters of water. At some distance from this unusual hole are buoys that protect swimmers and boaters from accessing this dangerous area.
Lake Berryessa
It should be noted that thisthe body of water is the second largest in California. Its area is 80 sq. km. This area is popular with tourists. Here you can take a trip around the lake on a motorcycle and bicycle, 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 Monticello Dam, but also to have a great time.
Undoubtedly, the original spillway brought great popularity to the lake and the 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 impressive during the rainy season. It was during this period that swift and turbulent streams of water rush into this awesome funnel. The Monticello Dam is fulfilling its intended mission.
In closing
In 1947, the Solano County government, together with the Bureau of Reclamation, 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 the town of Monticello, this plan, with the support of Governor E. Warren, was adopted and implemented.
Today, some thrill-seekers (cyclists, rollerbladers and skateboarders) on rainless summer days, when the water surface level in the lake is below the inlet of this unusual drain funnel, use the horizontal part of the drain (outlet) as a pipe for training. They get to it either by swimming or byspecial rafts.
