Howard Prairie Lake facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Howard Prairie Lake |
|
|---|---|
Howard Prairie Lake from its southern shore
|
|
 Howard Prairie Lake
Location in Oregon
Howard Prairie Lake
Location in the United States
|
|
| Location | Jackson County, Southern Oregon, United States |
| Coordinates | 42°12′59″N 122°22′35″W / 42.21639°N 122.37639°W |
| Type | Reservoir |
| Primary inflows | Water diverted from Little Butte Creek |
| Primary outflows | Beaver Creek |
| Catchment area | 79 square miles (205 km2) |
| Basin countries | United States |
| Surface area | 1,990 acres (8 km2) |
| Average depth | 35 feet (11 m) |
| Max. depth | 80 feet (24 m) |
| Water volume | 62,100 acre-feet (76,599,200 m3) |
| Surface elevation | 4,526 feet (1,380 m) |
| Islands | Buck, Doe, and Fawn |
Howard Prairie Lake is a large reservoir (an artificial lake) in Jackson County, Oregon, United States. It sits high up in the mountains, about 4,526 feet (1,380 m) above sea level. The lake is located about 18 miles (29 km) east of the city of Ashland.
This lake was created by building the 100-foot (30 m) tall Howard Prairie Dam. The dam holds back the waters of Beaver Creek, which is part of the Klamath River watershed.
Contents
History of Howard Prairie Lake
Howard Prairie Lake was created in 1958. This is when the Howard Prairie Dam was finished. The dam is 100-foot (30 m) tall and is an earthfill dam, meaning it's made mostly of compacted earth. It was built by a group called the Talent Division, as part of the Rogue River Basin Project.
At the same time, a canal was also built. This canal helps bring extra water to the lake. It diverts water from a nearby stream called Little Butte Creek, which is in the Rogue River watershed.
Lake Statistics
Howard Prairie Lake is quite large! On average, its surface area covers about 1,990 acres (8 km2). The lake holds an average of 62,100 acre-feet (76,599,200 m3) of water.
The deepest part of the lake is about 80 feet (24 m) deep. On average, the lake is about 35 feet (11 m) deep. The area of land that drains water into the lake, called its drainage basin, is about 79-square-mile (205 km2).
Animals and Plants (Flora and Fauna)
Howard Prairie Lake is a great place for many types of animals and plants. It's especially known for its large number of fish. You can find many rainbow trout, largemouth bass, and smallmouth bass swimming in its waters.
Around the lake, you might see different kinds of ducks and geese. The lake is surrounded by beautiful forests. These forests are filled with tall pine and fir trees, typical of the Cascade Mountains.
Fun Activities at the Lake
Howard Prairie Lake is a popular spot for outdoor fun! Many people enjoy boating, water skiing, and fishing on the lake. There are also three public campgrounds where you can set up a tent and stay overnight.
If you like to explore on land, hiking and biking are popular activities. There are many trails around the lake to enjoy. On the northern side of the lake, you'll find the Howard Prairie Lake Resort. This resort has a big marina (where boats are docked), a boat ramp for launching boats, a restaurant, another campground, and a convenience store for supplies.
