Klerkskraal Dam

Klerkskraal Dam is a combined gravity and arch type dam located on the Mooi River, near Ventersdorp, North West, South Africa. It was established in 1969 and its main purpose is to serve for irrigation. The hazard potential of the dam has been ranked high (3). The dam is also a well known bass fishing destination in the region.

Klerkskraal Dam
Official nameKlerkskraal Dam
CountrySouth Africa
LocationNorth West
Coordinates26°13′9″S 27°08′5″E
PurposeIrrigation
Opening date1969
Owner(s)Department of Water Affairs
Dam and spillways
Type of damArch-gravity dam
ImpoundsMooi River
Height13 m
Length605 m
Reservoir
CreatesKlerkskraal Dam Reservoir
Total capacity8 023 000 m³
Catchment area1 324 km2
Surface area383 ha
Maximum water depth6 m (avg 3.5 m)

History

The construction of the dam was completed in 1969, the area behind the dam flooded quicker than anticipated thanks to heavy rainfall in the area resulting in a stronger discharge from the two major springs flowing into the dam and discharge from several perennial springs around the dam. The quicker flooding meant the area couldn't be cleared properly before the reservoir filled up, resulting in structures such as an old road, telephone poles and the old farm house structure being flooded and remain in the reservoir till this day.[1]

Fauna

Indigenous fish species in the dam include Sharptooth Catfish (clarias gariepinus), Orange River Mudfish (labeo capensis), Moggel (labeo umbratus),

Banded Tilapia (tilapia sparrmanii), Southern Mouthbrooder ( pseudocrenilabrus philander), Three spot Barb (enteromius trimaculatus), Chubbyhead Barb (enteromius anoplus), Straight-fin Barb (enteromius paludinosus) and Smallmouth Yellowfish (labeobarbus aeneus) and species introduced include Common Carp (cyprinus carpio), Largemouth Bass (micropterus dolomieu), Swordtail (Xiphophorus hellerii) and Western Mosquitofish (gambusia affinis).[2][3]

236 grassland and wetland birds can be seen in the area. African Fish Eagle and Martial Eagle are residents at the dam and its surrounding area as well as Cape Clawless Otters, Warthog, Common Duiker, Steenbok, Caracal, Black backed Jackal, Cape Fox, Cape Porcupine, Honey Badger, Aardvark, Aardwolf, Cape Pangolin, African Hedgehog and Striped Polecat.

Nile and Rock Monitor lizards, African Rock Python, African Bullfrog can also be seen around the dam.

Flora

The dam is completely surrounded with reeds (Phragmites mauritianus) with the exception of 5 or 6 narrow openings only wide enough to launch a boat. The dam also has dense patches of Potamogeton pectinatus, Lagarosiphon verticilifolia, Lagarosiphon major, Hydrilla verticillata, Elodea canadensis, Myriophyllum spicatum.[4] The area surrounding the dam is typical Highveld grassland with scattered acacia trees (Vachellia karroo), commonly known as the Sweet thorn[5] and Haak-en-steek (Acacia tortilis)[6]

Geography

The dam is surrounded by at least 7 karst springs of which only 2 have a permanent flow throughout the year, the others are false eyes, only flowing in summer after the rains. The main eye is known as Bovenste Oog which draws water from the Turffontein compartment.

Uses

Angling

The dam is very popular amongst bass anglers with boats or inflatables. Owing to the fact that most anglers only target bass at the dam, the carp and catfish have grown to massive sizes.

Fish records at the dam
Species Common name Sixr Year
Cyprinus carpio Common Carp 30.65 kg 2018
Clarias gariepinus Sharptooth Catfish 37.95 kg 2019
Micropterus dolomieu Largemouth Bass 7..11 kg 2002
Labeobarbus aeneus Smallmouth Yellowfish 4.51 kg 1998
Labeo capensis Orange River Mudfish 2.12 kg 1995
Labeo umbratus Moggel 1.66 kg 1999

[7]

Irrigation

The dam wall has a valve connecting the reservoir to an irrigation canal for farms downstream of the dam.


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See also

References
  1. Info from farmers who lived near klerkskraal since 1940
  2. "wrc" (PDF).
  3. A complete guide to the freshwater fishes of Southern Africa.
  4. "aquatic plants South Africa". Archived from [file:///C:/Users/KTTYRES/Downloads/Aquatic%20Plants%20Identification%20Guide.pdf the original] Check |url= value (help) (PDF) on 2013-08-12.
  5. "vachellia karroo".
  6. "haak en steek".
  7. Fishing log book at dam caretaker
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