Castaic Lake facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Castaic Lake |
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 Castaic Lake
Location in the Los Angeles metropolitan area
Castaic Lake
Location in California
Castaic Lake
Location in the United States
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| Location | Castaic, Los Angeles County, California |
| Coordinates | 34°32′N 118°37′W / 34.53°N 118.61°W |
| Type | Reservoir |
| Primary inflows | West Branch California Aqueduct Castaic Creek |
| Primary outflows | Castaic Creek |
| Catchment area | 220.48 square miles (571.0 km2) |
| Basin countries | United States |
| Surface area | 3.45 square miles (8.9 km2) |
| Average depth | 147 feet (45 m) |
| Max. depth | 330 feet (100 m) |
| Water volume | 320,000 acre⋅ft (390,000,000 m3) |
| Surface elevation | 1,519 feet (463 m) |
Castaic Lake is a large reservoir in Los Angeles County, California. It was created by the Castaic Dam on Castaic Creek. The lake is located in the Sierra Pelona Mountains, near the town of Castaic. Its name, Kaštiq, comes from the Chumash people.
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About Castaic Lake
Castaic Lake holds about 320,000 acre-feet of water. This is a huge amount! The lake's surface is about 1,500 feet above sea level. It is the end point for the West Branch California Aqueduct. This aqueduct brings water from far away. Some water also comes from the 154-square-mile area around Castaic Creek.
How Castaic Lake Works
Castaic Lake is split into two parts by the Elderberry Forebay Dam. This dam creates a smaller area called the Elderberry Forebay. Water from the aqueduct first flows from Pyramid Lake. It travels through a long tunnel called the Angeles Tunnel. This water then helps power the Castaic Power Plant. This plant is a special type of power station. It uses water to make electricity. Most of the time, the water flows through the plant to create power.
Water Distribution from the Lake
Water from Castaic Lake is sent to many homes and businesses. It supplies the northern part of the Greater Los Angeles Area. Some water is also let out into Castaic Lagoon. This lagoon is just below the main dam. Keeping its water level steady helps with fun activities. Castaic Lagoon then flows into Castaic Creek. This creek eventually joins the Santa Clara River.
Castaic Lake State Recreation Area
The Castaic Lake State Recreation Area is a state park in Los Angeles County. It is managed by the California Department of Parks and Recreation. The park is next to the Angeles National Forest. It was created in 1965 and covers 4,224 acres. The park includes Castaic Lake itself. You can easily reach the park from Interstate 5.
Fun Activities at Castaic Lake
Castaic Lake is a great place for outdoor fun! The lower lagoon has a special swim beach. It is open every year from Memorial Day weekend until Labor Day weekend. You can also enjoy bass fishing in both the upper and lower parts of the lake. Fishing is allowed all year round. If you like float tube fishing, you can do that in the lower lake too.
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