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Clarence Cannon Dam
Note: This material was extracted from the US Army Corps of Engineers pamphlet: Clarence Cannon Dam & Mark Twain Lake.
The Joanna Dam project was first proposed in 1937 as an answer to many years of flooding by the Salt River. With support and expertise of many, including Representative Clarence Cannon, the multi-purpose project was authorized by Congress in the Flood Control Act of October 1962. The Clarence Cannon Dam and Mark Twain Lake offer multiple benefits to Northeast Missouri including:
Hydropower -- Providing energy during peak demand periods.
Flood Control -- For areas downstream of the dam together with reductions in Mississippi River flooding.
Recreation -- Providing water based facilities for the general public.
Fish and Wildlife Conservation -- Providing continued area for nature's resources.
Water Supply -- Providing the local area with drinking water to supplement the shortage of existing ground water.
Navigation -- Improved navigation on the Mississippi.
- Main Dam
- Concrete in dam ........................450,000 cu. yds.
Earth in embankment ..................3,000,000 cu. yds.
Height of dam above streambed ...................138 ft.
Length of Dam .................................1,940 ft.
Total generating capacity ....................58,000 kw.
- Lake
- Lake surface normal pool: 18,600 acres............606msl
Lake surface flood pool: 38,400 acres.............638msl
Shoreline (normal lake pool)...................285 miles
Average width of pool ............................1 mile
Average depth of pool ............................29 ft.
Watershed .................................2,300 sq. mi.
The Clarence Cannon hydroelectric plant is powered by falling water. The tremendous force of the water sets the turbin blades in motion which turns the shafts connecting the turbine to a generator. When both units are operating at capacity as much as 5,400,000 gallons of water pass through the turbines each minute. A re-regulation dam, located 9.5 miles downstream from the main dam, creates a storage pool that can be used for pump-back operations. When demand for electricity is low, power from other sources can be used to pump water back from the tailwater to the lake. This water can then be re-cycled through the turbines when energy is in high demand.
Hydropower is not a new concept, however with the world's shrinking supply of fossil fuels, and the concern for the quality of our environment, the contribution and future potential of hydroelectric power is indeed significant.
Using the pen names "Josh", "Sergeant Fathom," and "Mark Twain," Samuel Langhorne Clemens became perhaps the greatest humorist and wit to ever come from America. Although he traveled and lived in many places, Mark Twain, which literally means "two fathoms deep," often delighted audiences and readers with colorful stories of his native Missouri. Tom Sawyer and Huck Finn, Twain's two famous high-spirited characters, were likely self images of the author himself during his early years spent along the Salt and Mississippi Rivers in Florida and Hannibal. Though he will never see Mark Twain Lake, the influence of Florida and the Salt River on Twain's life and works will be preserved for generations. Of his rented two-room birthplace in Florida Twain once wrote, "Recently someone sent me a picture of the house I was born in. Heretofore I have always stated that it was a palace, but I shall be more guarded now."
Camping is available in three Corps of Engineers developed recreation areas, at the Mark Twain State Park and in several private recreation areas around the lake. Camping fees and facilities differ in the areas, however most have electric hookups, showers, restrooms, sanitary stations, fire grills, picnic tables and playground equipment. Group camping areas and a number of individual campsites are also available on a reservation basis. Visitors holding Golden Age of Golden Access Passport are entitled to a 50% discount on camping fees at federal campgrounds. Campfire programs are held throughout the summer at outdoor amphitheaters in the campgrounds and give visitors the opportunity to learn more about the natural and cultural history of the area. School, scout and other interested groups may schedule programs upon request. The Corps also assists groups who sponsor bass tournaments, camporees and other special events at the lake.
With over 18,000 acres of water, Mark Twain Lake is an ideal location for all types of water recreation. Boaters will find numerous boat ramps located conveniently around the lake as well as two full service marinas. Developed beaches on the lake provide excellent swimming conditions. Special safety programs are offered at the beaches throughout the summer. Anglers will find thriving populations of catfish, bass, crappie, walleye, bluegill and sunfish. Timber has been left in the upper ends of the lake and in selected coves to improve fish habitat.
The picturesque lands around Mark Twain Lake provide excellent recreational opportunities for picnickers, hikers and hunters. Picnic shelters, perfect for group gatherings, are available by advance reservation or on a first arrival basis. Hickers and backpackers are encouraged to use the many miles of trails throughout the lake area. Wildlife blinds, food plots and small ponds enhance a hiker's chance of spotting a deer, bluebird or other wildlife inhabitants of Missouri. Hunters will find thousands of prime hunting grounds easily accessible from hunter/fisherman parking lots located throughout the area. Mark Twain Lake hunting guides are available and provide a detailed description of hunting opportunities in the lake area.
Whether boating, hunting or sunning on the beach, visitor safety is important to everyone. The Corps works closely with County Sheriffs, State Department of Conservation Agents and the Missouri State Water Patrol to provide assistance such as search and rescue and first aid. There are many people working together, Federal and State employees, private contractors and volunteers, who hope to make your visit to Mark Twain Lake an enjoyable experience.
Some driving distances to the Dam site include: