Tooma Dam is a major ungated earthen embankment dam across the Tooma River in the Snowy Mountains of New South Wales, Australia. The dam's main purpose is for the generation of hydro-power and is one of the sixteen major dams that comprise the Snowy Mountains Scheme, a vast hydroelectricity and irrigation complex constructed in south-east Australia between 1949 and 1974 and now run by Snowy Hydro.
The impounded reservoir is called the Tooma Reservoir.
Location and features Completed by Theiss Brothers in 1961, Tooma Dam is a major dam, located near the village of Tooma and approximately from the town of Khancoban. The dam was constructed by Societe Dumez based on engineering plans developed under contract by the Snowy Mountains Hydroelectric Authority. Construction of the dam did not flood any towns or villages as it did in at Talbingo.
The dam wall comprising of concrete is high and long. At 100% capacity the dam wall holds back of water. The surface area of Tooma Reservoir is and the catchment area is . The spillway is capable of discharging .
The water behind the dam is diverted to Tumut Pond by the Tooma-Tumut tunnel, for power generation in the Tumut Hydroelectric Power Stations. This flow is supplemented by an intake shaft at Deep Creek Dam and three other creek diversions.
Recreation Tooma Reservoir is a popular alpine fishing location; and holds both Brown and Rainbow trout. Camping is permitted in the Clover Flat Camping area. Campers are encouraged to carry their own water supplies.
See also
List of dams and reservoirs in New South Wales Snowy Hydro Limited Snowy Mountains Scheme
References
External links