Cerulean Lake facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Cerulean Lake |
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Location | Glacier National Park, Flathead County, Montana, US |
Coordinates | 48°52′20″N 114°03′27″W / 48.87222°N 114.05750°W |
Lake type | Natural |
Primary inflows | Rainbow Creek |
Primary outflows | Rainbow Creek |
Basin countries | United States |
Max. length | .40 mi (0.64 km) |
Max. width | .35 mi (0.56 km) |
Surface elevation | 4,665 ft (1,422 m) |
Cerulean Lake is a beautiful natural lake located in the amazing Glacier National Park. This park is in the state of Montana in the U.S.. The lake is known for its clear, often blue, waters, which is where it gets its name "Cerulean."
Where is Cerulean Lake?
Cerulean Lake sits in a special kind of valley called a cirque. Imagine a giant bowl carved out by a glacier! High mountains surround this bowl. One of these tall mountains is Rainbow Peak, which is to the west of the lake. Rainbow Peak rises more than 5,000 feet (1,500 m) (about 1,524 meters) above the lake's surface.
How the Lake is Formed
The water in Cerulean Lake comes mainly from melting ice. To the west of the lake is Rainbow Glacier. As this glacier melts, its water flows into Cerulean Lake. This meltwater travels through a stream called Rainbow Creek, which helps keep the lake full and fresh. The lake is a great example of how glaciers can shape the land and create natural wonders.