Physical Sciences and Mathematics Commons^™

Deer And The Ainsworth Canal, Karl E. Menzel

Nebraska Game and Parks Commission: White Papers, Conference Presentations, and Manuscripts

Merritt Dam and the Ainsworth Canal were constructed by the Bureau of Reclamation to provide irrigation water for the vicinity of Ainsworth in north central Nebraska. The reservoir was completed in 1964 and at capacity has an area of 2,906 surface acres. The canal commences at the Dam, 27 miles southwest of Valentine, and extends eastward for 52.8 miles to Highway 20 east of Johnstown. The canal, along with 174 miles of laterals and 63 miles of drains, serves to irrigate about 34,000 acres of farmland.

The Ainsworth Canal is lined with concrete along its entire length. In the western …