Canyon Ferry Lake facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Canyon Ferry Lake |
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Canyon Ferry Lake
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 Canyon Ferry Lake
Location in Montana
Canyon Ferry Lake
Location in the United States
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| Location | Lewis and Clark and Broadwater Counties in Montana, United States.Located near Helena, Montana. |
| Coordinates | 46°28′53″N 111°32′47″W / 46.481312°N 111.546404°W |
| Type | reservoir |
| Primary inflows | Missouri River |
| Primary outflows | Missouri River |
| Catchment area | 15,904 sq mi (41,190 km2) |
| Basin countries | United States |
| Max. length | 30 miles (48 km) |
| Max. width | 5 miles (8.0 km) |
| Surface area | 33,500 acres (13,600 ha) |
| Water volume | 2,051,000 acre⋅ft (2.530 km3) |
| Shore length1 | 76 mi (122 km) |
| Surface elevation | 3,797 ft (1,157 m) msl |
| Islands | Cemetery Island |
| Settlements | Canton and Townsend |
| 1 Shore length is not a well-defined measure. | |
Canyon Ferry Lake is a large reservoir in Montana, USA. A reservoir is like a big, artificial lake. It's made by building a dam across a river. This one is on the Missouri River.
The lake is close to the cities of Helena, Montana and Townsend, Montana. It is the third biggest body of water in Montana. Canyon Ferry Lake covers about 35,181 acres (142 km²). Its shoreline stretches for about 76 miles (122 km).
Canyon Ferry Lake was created when the Canyon Ferry Dam was built. The dam was finished in 1954. It helps to make electricity and control floods. It also provides water for farms.
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Fun Things to Do at Canyon Ferry Lake
Canyon Ferry Lake is a very popular spot for outdoor fun. Many people visit it every year. It's a great place to enjoy nature.
Boating and Fishing
You can go boating on the lake. It's a perfect place for a boat ride. Many people also enjoy fishing here. The lake is home to different kinds of fish.
Wildlife and Nature
The lake is surrounded by beautiful scenery. It sits right next to the Big Belt Mountains. These mountains are part of the larger Rocky Mountains. The area is also a home for many different kinds of wildlife. You might see birds or other animals.
Ice Boating Adventures
In winter, Canyon Ferry Lake becomes a special place for iceboat racing. An iceboat is like a sailboat on skates! It glides very fast over the frozen lake. People even try to set world speed records here.
The Town Under the Water
Did you know there's a town under the lake? The old town of Canton used to be where the lake is now. It was covered by water when the dam was built. It's a cool piece of history hidden beneath the waves.
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Canyon Ferry Lake, north end, viewed from Yacht Basin Marina.
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Aerial View of Canyon Ferry Lake and Canyon Ferry Dam.
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Canyon Ferry Lake in foreground as seen from U.S. Highway 12 near Townsend, Montana. Big Belt Mountains in background.
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Location of Canyon Ferry Lake and other reservoirs and dams built in the Pick–Sloan Program since the 1940s.
