Klipdrif Dam

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Klipdrif Dam
Official nameKlipdrif Dam
Country South Africa
Locationnear Potchefstroom, North West
Coordinates 26°36′32″S27°18′41″E / 26.60889°S 27.31139°E / -26.60889; 27.31139 Coordinates: 26°36′32″S27°18′41″E / 26.60889°S 27.31139°E / -26.60889; 27.31139
Purpose Irrigation
Opening date1990
Owner(s) Department of Water Affairs
Dam and spillways
Type of dam Earth fill dam
Impounds Loopspruit
Height25 m
Length190 m
Reservoir
CreatesKlipdrif Dam Reservoir
Total capacity3 100 000 m3
Surface area44 ha

Klipdrif Dam is an earth-fill type dam located on the Loopspruit, near Potchefstroom, North West, South Africa. It was established in 1990 and its primary purpose is to serve for irrigation. The hazard potential of the dam has been ranked significant (2).

The dam is renowned for its carp fishing, with many competitions being held along its shores. Sharptooth Catfish and Orange River Mudfish are also targeted in the dam, other fish species including Banded Tilapia, Southern Mouthbrooder, Three Spot Barb, Moggel, Straightfin Barb and Largemouth Bass. Record catches at the dam include 28.3 kg Carp and 33.1 kg Sharptooth Catfish, the dam is well known for big catfish, with 25 kg+ caught each year.

Cape Clawless Otter, Nile Monitor and African Fish Eagle are also frequently seen around the dam.

See also

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