Cougar Dam, Embankment dam in Lane County, Oregon.
Cougar Dam is an embankment dam across the South Fork McKenzie River that creates a large reservoir. The structure contains multiple outlet gates that release water in a controlled manner downstream.
The project was built during the 1960s for power generation and flood control purposes. Since then the facility has played an important role in water management for the region.
The dam integrates educational programs about water management and conservation while supporting recreational activities in the Willamette National Forest.
Visitors can use the reservoir for fishing and boating when weather conditions permit. The surrounding area has hiking trails through the national forest that remain accessible year-round.
The facility uses special turbine outlets to draw water from different layers of the reservoir to help manage downstream water temperature. This approach provides better conditions for fish migrating downstream.
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