New Zealand Local Weather Forum

General Category => General Discussion => Topic started by: JennyLeez on September 04, 2012, 01:02:58 PM

Title: Largest Drain Hole.
Post by: JennyLeez on September 04, 2012, 01:02:58 PM

Drain holes also known as Glory Holes, I had never heard of these so I thought I would post this on here.
                   
Glory holes are used for dam's to drain excess water during dry seasons. This is the largest one of them all in the world, it is located in Lake Berryessa. It is used very rarely, but it is quite the sight to see it being put to use.
Located in Napa County, California, USA this glory hole was constructed between 1953 and 1957. The hole diameter is 72ft (22m) wide whilst the critical drop is 280ft (86m).

(http://nzpws.net/nzwn/reports/hole.jpg)
Bottomless Pit - Above is the largest in the world. Monticello Dam Drain Hole.

Title: Re: Largest Drain Hole.
Post by: Suezy on September 04, 2012, 01:39:33 PM

Thanks Jenny very very  interesting - hadnt heard of them before either and checked them out on Google too.  With our dams they just let the excess water go over the top of the dam which is called a spillway.
With the one you mentioned they have buoys placed out on the lake to deter swimming and boating.

Title: Re: Largest Drain Hole.
Post by: JennyLeez on September 04, 2012, 03:11:56 PM

Well now I know what else a glory hole is I shudder at the thought of your google search Suezy. I will ring you later.....   
Think I will go dig a hole to hid in...lol

Title: Re: Largest Drain Hole.
Post by: Mark on September 04, 2012, 05:17:02 PM

Never heard of them.

'Glory holes are used for dam's to drain excess water during dry seasons"
Why would they do that ??.




'.

Title: Re: Largest Drain Hole.
Post by: JennyLeez on September 04, 2012, 05:30:19 PM

Yes agree Mark, I am guessing a typo from the article I copied. I was not sure so left it.

Links to photos:

http://iliketowastemytime.com/bottomless-pit-monticello-dam-drain-hole (http://iliketowastemytime.com/bottomless-pit-monticello-dam-drain-hole)

http://cylonsky.blogspot.com/2008/03/largest-drain-hole-in-world.html (http://cylonsky.blogspot.com/2008/03/largest-drain-hole-in-world.html)

Title: Re: Largest Drain Hole.
Post by: Mark on September 04, 2012, 05:36:36 PM

Great pics Jenny.

Title: Re: Largest Drain Hole.
Post by: Suezy on September 05, 2012, 04:01:37 PM

Yes Jenny - I furthered my education - particularly on Wikipedia it was. LOL!!!!!!!!!