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Flathead Lake facts for kids

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Flathead Lake
Flathead Lake.jpeg
Location Montana
Coordinates 47°54′6″N 114°6′15″W / 47.90167°N 114.10417°W / 47.90167; -114.10417
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.

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

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Lago Flathead para niños

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