Green Lake (Alaska) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Green Lake |
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 Green Lake
Location in Alaska
Green Lake
Location in North America
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| Location | Sitka City and Borough, Alaska, United States |
| Coordinates | 56°59′17″N 135°05′49″W / 56.98806°N 135.09694°W |
| Type | Reservoir, glacial lake |
| Primary inflows | Vodopad River |
| Primary outflows | Vodopad River |
| Catchment area | 28.8 sq mi (75 km2) |
| Basin countries | United States |
Green Lake, also known by its native name Gageit' Tá, is a large body of water located south of Sitka City and Borough in the United States. It is both a natural lake and a reservoir. This means its size has been made bigger by people.
The lake gets its water from the Vodopad River. This river also flows out of Green Lake and eventually reaches Silver Bay.
Contents
What is Green Lake?
Green Lake is a special kind of lake. It started as a glacial lake, formed by ancient glaciers. Over time, people built a dam to make it larger. This turned it into a reservoir.
A reservoir is like a giant storage tank for water. It can be used for many things. This includes providing drinking water or generating electricity.
Where is Green Lake Located?
Green Lake is found in a beautiful part of Alaska, near the city of Sitka. Sitka is on Baranof Island, which is part of the Alexander Archipelago. This area is known for its stunning natural beauty. It has tall mountains, dense forests, and many waterways.
The lake's location in Alaska means it is surrounded by a unique ecosystem. This includes various plants and animals.
The Green Lake Dam
The size of Green Lake was greatly increased by building the Green Lake Dam. Before the dam was built, the lake was about 230 feet (70 m) high. The dam made the water level much higher.
Why Was the Dam Built?
The Green Lake Dam was built to create more water storage. This extra water is used to generate hydroelectric power. Hydroelectric power uses the force of falling water to spin turbines. These turbines then create electricity. This is a clean way to make power. It helps provide electricity for the nearby community of Sitka.
Home to Fish
Green Lake is also important for fish. It has several special areas called pens. These pens are part of the Medvejie Fish Hatchery.
A fish hatchery is like a nursery for fish. It helps to raise young fish in a controlled environment. Once the fish are big enough, they are released into rivers or oceans. This helps to keep fish populations healthy. The Medvejie Fish Hatchery likely raises salmon or other local fish species. This supports both the environment and local fishing industries.
