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McConaughy Lake
Located 8 miles northeast of Ogallala, Nebraska, Lake McConaughy is formed by Kingsley Dam,
built by the Central Nebraska Public Power and Irrigation District to impound the waters of the
North Platte River for a vast irrigation and power generation system. Nebraska Highway 61 crosses the top of Kingsley Dam. At full storage of 1,948,000 acre-feet, Big Mac is 22
miles long, 4 miles wide for quite some distance from the dam, and 142 feet deep near the dam.
When full, the lake is 35,700 acres and has 105 miles of shore line.
Nearly everything about Lake McConaughy is big. Its 35,700 surface acres make it Nebraska's
largest reservoir. Its dam is among the largest of its type in the world, and its fish grow to trophy
proportions, accounting for several state records. Even its nickname, "Big Mac". reflects the
lake's giant stature.
The core of the dam was constructed of loess soil, pumped into position on the steel piling. As the water drained out, the loess consolidated, leaving an impervious core. That borrow pit became a bonus as Lake Ogallala.
Sailboaters should also keep the weather in mind, particularly the wind. A strong wind can make Big Mac too rough for comfort or safety, so captains should be ready and able to reef the sails if the breeze gets too strong or if clouds signal an approaching storm.
If the wind's tantrums prevent sailing or other water sports on Big Mac, all is not lost. Lake Ogallala is often sheltered from the wind.
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