Jackson Lake (Wyoming) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Jackson Lake |
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Jackson Lake from Colter Bay
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 Jackson Lake
Location in Wyoming
Jackson Lake
Location in the United States
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| Location | Grand Teton National Park, Teton County, Wyoming, US |
| Coordinates | 43°54′02″N 110°40′26″W / 43.90056°N 110.67389°W |
| Type | Moraine-dammed lake and dam |
| Primary inflows | Snake River |
| Primary outflows | Snake River |
| Basin countries | United States |
| Max. length | 15 mi (24 km) |
| Max. width | 7 mi (11 km) |
| Surface area | 25,540 acres (10,340 ha) |
| Max. depth | 438 ft (134 m) |
| Surface elevation | 6,772 ft (2,064 m) |
| Islands | Over 15 including Elk Island, Donoho Point |
Jackson Lake is a large, beautiful lake located in Grand Teton National Park in northwestern Wyoming. This lake is a natural wonder, but it was made even bigger by the construction of the Jackson Lake Dam. The dam was first built in 1911 and later improved.
The lake is very important for farmers in Idaho. The top 33 feet (about 10 meters) of the lake's water is used to help grow crops. This use of water was decided long before Grand Teton National Park was created.
Contents
How Jackson Lake Was Formed
Jackson Lake was created by huge glaciers. These giant ice sheets carved out the land between the Teton Mountains and the Yellowstone Plateau. The main river feeding the lake is the Snake River, which flows into it from the north. The water then flows out of the lake at Jackson Lake Dam.
Size and Depth
Jackson Lake is one of the largest high-altitude lakes in the United States. It sits at an elevation of 6,772 feet (about 2,064 meters) above sea level. The lake is about 15 miles (24 km) long and 7 miles (11 km) wide. It can be as deep as 438 feet (133 meters). Even in the summer, the water in the lake stays quite cold, usually below 60°F (16°C).
Fish and Wildlife
Many different kinds of fish live in Jackson Lake. Some fish, like brown trout and lake trout, were brought here by people. Other fish, such as the Snake River fine-spotted cutthroat trout and mountain whitefish, are native to the area.
Islands in the Lake
Jackson Lake has more than 15 islands. The biggest island is called Elk Island. Another well-known island is Donoho Point. These islands add to the lake's natural beauty.
Visiting Jackson Lake
The John D. Rockefeller, Jr. Memorial Parkway is a road near the northern end of Jackson Lake. This road connects to the south entrance of Yellowstone National Park. Roads along the eastern side of Jackson Lake also provide easy access for visitors.
Boating and Lodges
There are several places along the eastern shore where people can go boating and stay overnight. These include Leeks Marina, Colter Bay Village, Jackson Lake Lodge, and Signal Mountain Lodge. Most of these places have boat ramps, making it easy to get out on the water. The western side of Jackson Lake is more wild and undeveloped. It only has hiking trails and a few simple camping spots.
