Diablo Lake facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Diablo Lake
Diablo Lake surrounded by mountains
Diablo Lake Location in Washington (state) Show map of Washington (state) Diablo Lake Location in the United States Show map of the United States
Location	Ross Lake National Recreation Area, Whatcom County, Washington, United States
Coordinates	48°42′51″N 121°7′52″W / 48.71417°N 121.13111°W / 48.71417; -121.13111
Type	reservoir
Max. length	4.5 miles (7.2 km)
Water volume	90,000 acre-feet (110 hm3)
Surface elevation	1,201 feet (366 m)

Diablo Lake is a bright, beautiful man-made lake in the North Cascade mountains of Washington state. It sits at an elevation of 1,201 feet (366 m) above sea level in Whatcom County. Diablo Lake was created by building a huge wall of concrete called Diablo Dam along the rushing Skagit River. Today, this sparkling body of water rests between two other lakes named Ross Lake and Gorge Lake. The whole area is protected as part of the Ross Lake National Recreation Area.

Geography and Natural History of Diablo Lake

Long ago, huge moving sheets of ice carved out the deep Skagit Valley. When these glaciers moved, they crushed huge boulders into tiny bits of fine dust. Scientists call this fine powder glacial flour. When warm weather melts the glacier ice, the fine dust washes directly into Diablo Lake. Because the dust particles are so small, they float without sinking to the bottom. When sunlight hits the water, the particles reflect bright shades of green and blue. This makes the lake look like a giant emerald or turquoise jewel among the dark green trees.

Producing Clean Energy with Diablo Dam

Diablo Lake is not just pretty to look at; it also works hard to make electricity. The lake is an important part of the Skagit River Hydroelectric Project. This clean energy project is run by a power company called Seattle City Light. Builders finished constructing Diablo Dam in 1930. When it was completed, it was one of the tallest dams in the entire world. The massive dam officially started generating electrical power in 1936. Water stored in the lake rushes through giant spinning turbines to create electricity for homes, schools, and businesses in nearby cities.

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  2010 Diablo Dam

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  Diablo Dam Skagit Power Project 1948

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  Northwest side view of dam

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  1931, one year after opening Diablo Dam

Outdoor Fun and Wildlife Around the Lake

Birds eye view of the lake and the surrounding forest and mountains

Families and visitors love to explore the natural wonderland around Diablo Lake. The most famous hiking path is the Diablo Lake Trail. This trail takes hikers on a 7.6-mile adventure through thick forests and across rocky cliffs. Along the route, hikers can climb up about 1,300 feet to see fantastic views of the water below. Many wild animals live in the surrounding woods, including deer, bears, and eagles.

Fishing and Native Fish Species

The clear, cold water makes a wonderful home for several kinds of freshwater fish. Anglers visit Diablo Lake to catch:

• Rainbow trout
• Coastal cutthroat trout
• Brook trout
• Bull trout

Park rangers have special rules to keep the fish population healthy. For example, people are not allowed to use two fishing poles at the same time. These rules ensure that future generations can enjoy the lake too.

See also

• List of dams and reservoirs in the United States