Historical information

In October 1947 construction was commenced on the erection of the workmen's camp at Rocky Valley. Also in 1947 construction of a stream diversion was commenced to allow excavation to commence for the dam wall. In the summer of 1948/49, stripping of the foundation area on both sides of the river was carried out. Weather conditions were not always favourable during the construction, particularly 1955/56 summer, and work would have to cease each year for the winter season due to the severe conditions.
The dam is a earth and rock fill structure with a height of about 30.5 metres and crest length 518.16 metres and was completed in March, 1959.

Significance

These photographs show the type of terrain in the area prior to the construction and filling of Rocky Valley Dam. Also of interest is the type of accommodation provided for those working on the construction and the early cranes available in the 1940/50's. Of historical importance to understand the conditions in the early construction of the Kiewa Hydro Electric Scheme

Physical description

Eleven small black and white photographs

Inscriptions & markings

Photo No. 1 - on the back, printed in ink"Rocky Valley - New Mess & offices Dec. 1948". In pencil '14 on the back
Photo No. 2 - on the back, printed in ink "Rocky Valley Camp. October 1948". Also stamped on the back "998L"
Photo No. 3 -on the back, printed in ink "Rocky Valley Hostel October 1948". Also stamped on the back '998L'
Photo No. 4 - on the back, printed in ink "Spion Kopje from bedroom window. October 1948". Stamped on the back '998L'.
Photo No. 5 - on the back, printed in ink "Rocky Valley Basin Dec. 1948." In pencil on back, 14.
Photo No. 6 - on the back, printed in ink "Site of Wall for Rocky Valley Dam Dec. 1948". In pencil on back, 14.
Photo No. 7 - On the back, printed in ink "Commencing of Diversion Tunnel Rocky Valley December 1948". In pencil on back, 14.
Photo No. 8 - on the back, printed in ink "One of the two electric cranes at Rocky Valley December 1948". In pencil on back, 14.
Photo No. 9 - on the back, printed in ink "'Rapier' (H.Y.) electric crane Rocky Valley December 1948". In pencil on back, 14 .
Photo No. 10 - on the back, printed in ink " Pretty Valley Pump line construction Mt. Cope in Background Nov 1948. Circular stamp with the words 'print by Wilson White Albury' in the circle.
Photo No. 11 - on the back, printed in ink "Stringing cable on Ruined Castle October 1948. Same stamp as No. 10. In pencil '31'.