Based on information obtained during these investigations, the Kortes Unit was included in Senate Document 191. Construction Construction of Kortes Dam was started in 1946 and completed in 1951. Because of the enormous increase in power demands in the area and power sales commitments, an accelerated power program was developed which consisted of erecting generating equipment and machinery concurrently with the dam and powerhouse construction, placing the generators into service before the powerhouse was completed, construction of temporary transmission facilities, and providing temporary protection for the operating equipment during the construction period. As a result of this program, two units were placed into service 6 months before the completion of the powerhouse and the dam and 6 months earlier than they would have been without this accelerated program. The Kortes Reservoir receives limited recreational use since Kortes Dam and the steep shoreline restrict access in general to the North Platte River immediately below Seminoe Dam.
Trout fishing is the main recreational activity at the reservoir.
A small boat ramp near Seminoe Dam provides access to the reservoir. Senate Bill 2553 was passed in the 90th Congress authorizing the modification of the operation of Kortes Dam and Powerplant to provide a minimum streamflow of 500 cubic feet per second in the North Platte River between Kortes Reservoir and the normal headwaters of Pathfinder Reservoir. For specific information about any of these recreation sites, click on the name below.