Caballo Lake facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Caballo Reservoir |
|
|---|---|
 |
|
 Caballo Reservoir
Location in New Mexico
Caballo Reservoir
Location in the United States
|
|
| Location | Sierra County, New Mexico |
| Coordinates | 32°55′32″N 107°17′46″W / 32.92568°N 107.2961°W |
| Type | reservoir |
| Catchment area | 79,574 km2 (30,724 sq mi) |
| Basin countries | United States |
| Surface area | 11,000 acres (4,500 ha) |
| Average depth | 7 m (23 ft) |
| Water volume | 428×106 m3 (347,000 acre⋅ft) |
| Surface elevation | 4,204 ft (1,281 m) |
Caballo Lake is a large reservoir in southern New Mexico, United States. A reservoir is like a big, artificial lake where water is stored. This lake was made by building the Caballo Dam on the Rio Grande river.
Caballo Lake is a very important body of water. It is the fourth largest lake in New Mexico when you look at its surface area. It is also the fifth largest when you measure how much water it holds. The lake is part of Caballo Lake State Park. This park is about 16 miles (26 km) south of a town called Truth or Consequences.
Contents
Fun Activities at Caballo Lake
Caballo Lake is a popular spot for many outdoor activities. People love to visit for fun and relaxation.
Water Sports and Fishing
You can enjoy many water sports here. These include boating, swimming, and waterskiing. Fishing is also very popular at Caballo Lake. The lake is home to many different types of fish. You might catch walleye, bass, catfish, crappie, or bluegill.
Wildlife and Nature
Caballo Lake is not just for people; it's also a great place for nature lovers.
Birdwatching Opportunities
The lake is a wonderful spot for watching birds. Many birds that travel long distances use Caballo Lake as a resting place. They stop here during their journeys. You can often see large birds like eagles flying around the area.
How Caballo Lake Got Its Name
The name "Caballo" has an interesting meaning.
Origin of the Name
Caballo Lake gets its name from the Caballo Mountains. These mountains are next to the lake on its northeast, east, and southeast sides. In the past, wild horses used to live and roam freely in these mountains. The word "Caballo" means "horse" in Spanish.
Lake Features
The upper part of Caballo Lake is quite shallow. When water levels are low, this shallow part can become separated from the deeper end. The water in the lake often looks a bit brownish from far away. This is because the water is not very deep in many places. The deepest part of the lake is usually about 75 feet (23 meters).
The beaches at Caballo Lake are mostly rocky. However, you can find many sandy spots too. It is good to be careful near the dam. There can be a strong whirlpool there, which can be dangerous.
See also
In Spanish: Lago Caballo para niños
