Abiquiu Lake facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Abiquiu Lake |
|
|---|---|
View north from Cerro Pedernal
|
|
 Abiquiu Lake
Location in New Mexico
Abiquiu Lake
Location in the United States
|
|
| Location | Rio Arriba County, New Mexico |
| Coordinates | 36°14′24″N 106°25′52″W / 36.240°N 106.431°W |
| Type | reservoir |
| Primary inflows | Rio Chama |
| Primary outflows | Rio Chama |
| Basin countries | United States |
| Max. length | 12 mi (20 km) |
| Surface area | 5,200 acres (2,100 ha) |
| Water volume | 647,017 acre⋅ft (0.798084 km3) (conservation) 1,192,801 acre⋅ft (1.471298 km3) (flood control) |
Abiquiu Lake is a large, man-made lake located in northern New Mexico, in a place called Rio Arriba County. It was created by building a huge dam across the Rio Chama river. This lake is a popular spot for many outdoor activities.
Contents
What is Abiquiu Lake?
Abiquiu Lake is a type of lake called a reservoir. This means it's a lake that was built by people, usually by putting a dam across a river. The dam holds back the river's water, forming a large body of water behind it.
How Big is Abiquiu Lake?
Abiquiu Lake is quite large! It covers about 5,200 acres, which is like more than 3,900 football fields. The lake stretches for over 12 miles (about 20 kilometers) long. Its water level can change, but it usually sits between 6,100 and 6,220 feet above sea level.
Building the Lake
Abiquiu Lake was formed by the Abiquiu Dam. This dam is very big, measuring 1,800 feet (550 meters) long and 340 feet (104 meters) high. It's an "earth-filled" dam, meaning it's made mostly of earth, rock, and clay.
When Was the Dam Built?
The Abiquiu Dam was first finished in 1963. Later, in 1986, it was made even taller. The dam helps control the flow of the Rio Chama river.
Fun Things to Do at Abiquiu Lake
The area around Abiquiu Lake is a great place for outdoor adventures. The US Army Corps of Engineers manages the recreation areas near the dam.
You can enjoy many activities here, such as:
- Camping under the stars
- Having picnics with friends and family
- Hiking on trails around the lake
- Swimming in the lake's waters
- Boating, like sailing or motorboating
- Fishing for different kinds of fish
-
Location of Abiquiu Lake in New Mexico
-
The Abiquiu Dam
-
A view of Abiquiu Lake
