Flathead Lake facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Flathead Lake |
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| Location | Montana |
| Coordinates | 47°54′6″N 114°6′15″W / 47.90167°N 114.10417°W |
| Type | Moraine-dammed lake |
| Primary inflows | Flathead River Swan River |
| Primary outflows | Flathead River |
| Catchment area | 8,587 square miles (22,240 km2) |
| Basin countries | United States |
| Max. length | 27.3 mi (43.9 km) |
| Max. width | 15.5 mi (24.9 km) |
| Surface area | 191.5 sq mi (496 km2) |
| Average depth | 164.7 ft (50.2 m) |
| Max. depth | 370.7 ft (113.0 m) |
| Water volume | 5.56 cu mi (23.2 km3) |
| Residence time | 3.4 years |
| Shore length1 | 161.4 mi (259.7 km) |
| Surface elevation | 2,894 ft (882 m) |
| Islands | Wild Horse Island, Cromwell, Bird, Bull, Melita, Shelter, Cedar, Mother-in-Law, Dream, etc. |
| 1 Shore length is not a well-defined measure. | |
Flathead Lake is a very large freshwater lake located in the state of Montana, in the United States. It covers about 197 square miles (510 km2) (510 square kilometers), making it one of the biggest freshwater lakes west of the Mississippi River. The lake is famous for its incredibly clear water and the beautiful mountain views all around it.
Contents
About Flathead Lake
Flathead Lake was formed by ancient glaciers. It is known as a moraine-dammed lake. This means that a huge glacier carved out the valley. As the glacier melted, it left behind a pile of rocks and dirt called a moraine. This moraine acted like a natural dam, holding back the water and creating the lake we see today.
Size and Depth
Flathead Lake is quite impressive in size. It is about 27.3 mi (43.9 km) (44 km) long and 15.5 mi (24.9 km) (25 km) wide. The lake's average depth is around 164.7 ft (50.2 m) (50 meters). However, in some spots, it can reach a maximum depth of 370.7 ft (113.0 m) (113 meters). That's deeper than many tall buildings!
Water Flow
The main rivers that flow into Flathead Lake are the Flathead River and the Swan River. Water then flows out of the lake and continues as the Flathead River. The water in the lake takes about 3.4 years to completely replace itself, which is called its residence time.
Islands of the Lake
Flathead Lake has several islands. The largest and most famous one is Wild Horse Island. This island is a state park and a special place where wild horses and other animals like bighorn sheep live. Other islands include Cromwell, Bird, Bull, and Melita.
Surrounding Area
The lake is located in both Flathead County and Lake County in Montana. Many small towns and communities are found along its shores. The area around Flathead Lake is popular for outdoor activities. People enjoy boating, fishing, swimming, and exploring the natural beauty.
Images for kids
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Flathead Lake from space, Aug 2018
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Some clouds over Flathead Lake in Polson, Montana, as the sun is setting
See also
In Spanish: Lago Flathead para niños
