Iliamna Lake facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Iliamna Lake |
|
|---|---|
from the northern shore
|
|
| Location | Lake and Peninsula Borough, Alaska |
| Coordinates | 59°32′12″N 155°01′28″W / 59.53667°N 155.02444°W |
| Lake type | oligotrophic |
| Primary outflows | Kvichak River |
| Basin countries | United States |
| Max. length | 77 mi (124 km) |
| Max. width | 22 mi (35 km) |
| Surface area | 1,012.5 sq mi (2,622 km2) |
| Average depth | 144 ft (44 m) |
| Max. depth | 988 ft (301 m) |
| Water volume | 27.7 cu mi (115 km3) |
| Residence time | 7.8 years |
| Surface elevation | 46 ft (14 m) |
| Settlements | Iliamna, Newhalen, Kokhanok, Pedro Bay, Igiugig |
Iliamna Lake (also called Lake Iliamna) is a very large freshwater lake in southwest Alaska. It is found at the northern end of the Alaska Peninsula. This amazing lake is about 100 miles (160 km) west of Seldovia, Alaska.
Lake Iliamna is the biggest lake in all of Alaska. It is also the eighth largest lake in the entire United States. The lake covers a huge area of about 1,012.5 square miles (2,622 square kilometers). It stretches for 77 miles (124 km) long and can be up to 22 miles (35 km) wide. The deepest part of the lake is 988 feet (301 meters) deep. Water flows out of the lake through the Kvichak River and into Bristol Bay.
Contents
About Iliamna Lake
Iliamna Lake is known for its clear, cold water. It is an "oligotrophic" lake. This means it has low levels of nutrients. It also has a lot of oxygen deep down. This type of lake is usually very clear. It can support many kinds of fish.
Size and Features
Iliamna Lake is truly enormous. Its size makes it a major feature of the Alaskan landscape. The lake's great depth means it holds a huge amount of water. It takes about 7.8 years for all the water in the lake to be replaced. This is called its residence time.
The lake sits at an elevation of 46 feet (14 meters) above sea level. Its shores are home to several small communities. These include Iliamna, Newhalen, Kokhanok, Pedro Bay, and Igiugig. These towns often rely on the lake for travel and resources.
Wildlife and Nature
Iliamna Lake is famous for its incredible wildlife. It is a very important place for sockeye salmon. Millions of sockeye salmon return to the lake each year. They swim up the rivers to lay their eggs. This makes the lake a key part of the salmon's life cycle.
Many other animals live in and around the lake. You can find rainbow trout, Dolly Varden trout, and lake trout. Bears, moose, and caribou also live in the surrounding wilderness. The lake's rich ecosystem supports a wide variety of plants and animals.
Local Legends
For a long time, there have been stories about a mysterious creature in Iliamna Lake. Some people call it the "Iliamna Lake Monster." It is sometimes described as a large, unknown fish or sea creature. These stories are part of the local culture. They add to the lake's mystique. While there is no scientific proof of such a monster, the legends are a fun part of the lake's history.
Images for kids
-
Location of Iliamna in Alaska
-
Men pose by the lake with their reindeer, 1917
.jpeg)
See also
In Spanish: Lago Iliamna para niños
