Bighorn Lake facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Bighorn Lake |
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Southwestern part
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 Bighorn Lake
Location in Montana
Bighorn Lake
Location in the United States
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| Location | Big Horn / Carbon counties in Montana; and Big Horn County in Wyoming |
| Coordinates | 45°18′28″N 107°57′27″W / 45.30778°N 107.95750°W |
| Type | reservoir |
| Primary inflows | Bighorn River |
| Primary outflows | Bighorn River |
| Catchment area | 20,000 square miles (50,000 km2) |
| Basin countries | United States |
Bighorn Lake is a large reservoir (an artificial lake) found in southern Montana and northern Wyoming. It was created by the Yellowtail Dam and is a big part of the Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area.
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Where is Bighorn Lake?
Bighorn Lake is located about 40 miles (64 km) south of Billings, Montana. This long lake stretches for 72 miles (115 km) through the amazing Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area. Imagine a lake winding through a deep, colorful canyon!
How Bighorn Lake Was Made
This impressive lake was formed when the Yellowtail Dam was built in 1965. The dam was constructed on the Bighorn River, near a place called Fort Smith, Montana. Building the dam helped create this beautiful and useful body of water.
What is a Reservoir?
A reservoir is like a giant storage tank for water. It's usually made by building a dam across a river. Reservoirs are super important because they help us store water for many uses. This includes providing drinking water, helping farmers water their crops, and even generating electricity!
Exploring Bighorn Canyon
Bighorn Lake is a central feature of the Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area. This area is known for its stunning canyon walls and clear blue water. It's a popular spot for outdoor activities like boating, fishing, and hiking. Many people visit to enjoy the beautiful scenery and wildlife.
