Buffalo Lake (Alberta) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Buffalo Lake |
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Location | Central Alberta |
Coordinates | 52°29′33″N 112°54′56″W / 52.49250°N 112.91556°W |
Type | Mesotrophic |
Primary inflows | Parlby Creek |
Primary outflows | Tail Creek |
Catchment area | 1,440 km2 (560 sq mi) |
Basin countries | Canada |
Max. length | 17 km (11 mi) |
Max. width | 7.5 km (4.7 mi) |
Surface area | 93.5 km2 (36.1 sq mi) |
Average depth | 2.8 m (9.2 ft) |
Max. depth | 6.5 m (21 ft) |
Surface elevation | 785 m (2,575 ft) |
Islands | Tony's Island |
Settlements | Bashaw, Rochon Sands, Mirror, White Sands, Alberta |
Buffalo Lake is a large and popular lake located in central Alberta, Canada. It sits where three counties meet: Camrose County, the County of Stettler No. 6, and Lacombe County. The lake is about 40 km (25 mi) east of the city of Red Deer.
Buffalo Lake is part of the Red Deer River basin. It covers a large area of 93.5 square kilometers (about 36 square miles). The land area that drains water into the lake, called its drainage basin, is 1,440 square kilometers (about 556 square miles).
Exploring Buffalo Lake
Buffalo Lake is a great spot for fun and relaxation. Many recreational areas are found along its shores. These include places like Boss Hill, Rochon Sands, White Sands, Scenic Sands, Buffalo Sands, Pelican Point, Pelican View Estates (PVE), and The Narrows. The Rochon Sands Provincial Park is also located right on the lake.
What Kinds of Fish Live Here?
The lake is home to a good number of fish. You can find Northern pike and Burbot swimming in its waters. Fishing is a popular activity for visitors.
How Deep is Buffalo Lake?
Buffalo Lake has three main sections, or bays, each with its own features:
- Main Bay: This is the largest and deepest part of the lake. It reaches a depth of 6.5 meters (about 21 feet) at its deepest point. It also has two islands.
- Secondary Bay: This bay is smaller than the Main Bay. It has one large island that is privately owned.
- Parlby Bay: Also known as Mirror Bay, this is the smallest of the three main bays. Parlby Creek flows into the lake through this bay.
- Jarvis Bay: There is also another shallow bay at the very northern part of the lake.