Scrivener Dam

Scrivener Dam
Scrivener Dam, near the National Zoo & Aquarium in Yarralumla, 2009.
CountryAustralia
LocationCanberra, ACT
Coordinates35°17′59″S 149°04′20″E / 35.29972°S 149.07222°E / -35.29972; 149.07222
PurposeRecreational and ornamental
StatusOperational
Construction beganSeptember 1960 (1960-09)
Opening date20 September 1964 (1964-09-20)
Construction costA$5,039,050
Owner(s)National Capital Authority
Dam and spillways
Type of damGravity dam
ImpoundsMolonglo River
Height33 metres (108 ft)
Length319 metres (1,047 ft)
Width (crest)19.7 metres (65 ft)
Width (base)30.5 metres (100 ft)
Dam volume55,000 m3 (1,900,000 cu ft)
Spillways5
Spillway typeHydraulic; fish-belly flap gates
Spillway capacity8,500 m3/s (300,000 cu ft/s)
Reservoir
CreatesLake Burley Griffin
Total capacity33,000,000 m3 (1.2×109 cu ft)
Catchment area183.5 square kilometres (70.8 sq mi)
Surface area664 hectares (1,640 acres)
Maximum length11 kilometres (6.8 mi)
Maximum width1.2 kilometres (0.75 mi)
Maximum water depth18 metres (59 ft)
Normal elevation556 metres (1,824 ft)

Scrivener Dam is a concrete gravity dam that impounds the Molonglo River in Canberra, Australian Capital Territory. The dam creates Lake Burley Griffin, which was established for recreational and ornamental purposes. Named in honour of surveyor Charles Scrivener, the dam was officially inaugurated on 20 September 1963 (1963-09-20) and the official filling of the lake commemorated on 17 October 1964 (1964-10-17) by the Prime Minister, Robert Menzies.

The dam wall is located on Lady Denman Drive and is adjacent to the National Zoo & Aquarium and a viewing area for the official residence of the Governor-General of Australia.