Choelquoit Lake facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Choelquoit Lake |
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Look west over Choelquoit Lake
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 Choelquoit Lake
Location in British Columbia
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| Location | Chilcotin District, British Columbia |
| Coordinates | 51°42′20″N 124°12′42″W / 51.70556°N 124.21167°W |
| Primary outflows | none |
| Basin countries | Canada |
| Max. length | 9.5 km (5.9 mi) |
| Max. width | 1.65 km (1.03 mi) |
| Surface area | 14.3 km2 (5.5 sq mi) |
| Residence time | A very long time |
| Shore length1 | 31.7 km (19.7 mi) |
| Surface elevation | 1,172 m (3,845 ft) |
| 1 Shore length is not a well-defined measure. | |
Choelquoit Lake is a special lake in the western Chilcotin District of British Columbia, Canada. It's located in the central part of the province. This lake is unique because it's an endorheic lake, meaning water flows into it but doesn't flow out to other rivers or oceans.
Choelquoit Lake is found north of Chilko Lake and west of Tatlayoko Lake. It's also east of Williams Lake. It sits on the western edge of the Chilcotin plateau. The area around the lake is beautiful, with wide grasslands, tall pine forests, and amazing views of the snow-capped Niut Mountains.
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Choelquoit Lake: A Unique Canadian Gem
Choelquoit Lake is known for being the largest high-elevation lake in Canada that doesn't have an outflow. This means water enters the lake from rain or streams, but it only leaves by evaporating into the air or sinking into the ground.
Where is This Special Lake?
This interesting lake is located in the Chilcotin District of British Columbia. This area is part of the vast Central Interior region. The lake's exact location is north of Chilko Lake and west of Tatlayoko Lake. It's also found east of the city of Williams Lake.
What Makes Choelquoit Lake Unique?
One of the most fascinating things about Choelquoit Lake is that it's an endorheic basin. This means it's a closed system. Water flows into the lake from various sources, but it doesn't have a river or stream flowing out of it. Instead, the water level is controlled by evaporation and absorption into the ground.
What is an Endorheic Lake?
An endorheic lake is like a giant bathtub with no drain. Water fills it up, but it has nowhere to go except up into the sky as vapor or down into the earth. This makes the lake's water levels change with the seasons and rainfall. Lakes like this are often found in dry or semi-dry areas.
Nature and Activities Around Choelquoit Lake
The area around Choelquoit Lake is very scenic. It's surrounded by open grasslands and forests filled with pine trees. In the distance, you can see the impressive Niut Mountains, often covered in snow. These mountains add to the stunning views.
If you visit the lake, you'll find a campsite on its eastern side. This makes it a great spot for outdoor adventures. You can enjoy the peaceful nature and the unique landscape of the Chilcotin plateau.
The Tsilhqot'in People and the Lake
Choelquoit Lake is located within the traditional territory of the Tsilhqot'in First Nation. This Indigenous group has lived in this area for a very long time. They have a deep connection to the land and its natural features. The traditional name for Choelquoit Lake in the Tsilhqot'in language is Naghatalhchuẑ. This name reflects the rich history and culture of the Tsilhqot'in people in this region.
