Lock and Dam No. 8, Lock and dam system in Genoa, Wisconsin.
Lock and Dam No. 8 is a water control structure on the Upper Mississippi River near Genoa that uses concrete gates to help boats navigate elevation changes. The system manages the river's flow by regulating water levels throughout the area.
The facility was built by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers between 1933 and 1937 to help control the river. A major renovation project updated it from 1989 to 2003.
The facility demonstrates the engineering capabilities of the early 20th century while supporting the Mississippi River's role in transportation and commerce.
The lock allows boats to move between different water elevations by controlling the flow as they pass through. Visitors can watch the system operate from viewing areas along the riverbank.
The dam creates Pool 8, with a reservoir capacity of 260,000 acre-feet spreading across a catchment area of 64,770 square miles.
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