Lake Chippewa (Wisconsin) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Lake Chippewa |
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| Chippewa Flowage | |
 Lake Chippewa
Location in Wisconsin
Lake Chippewa
Location in the United States
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| Location | Sawyer County, Wisconsin |
| Coordinates | 45°55′47″N 91°11′55″W / 45.9296596°N 91.1987329°W |
| Type | Reservoir |
| Primary outflows | Chippewa River |
| Surface area | 14,593 acres (5,906 ha) |
| Max. depth | 92 feet (28 m) |
| Surface elevation | 1,312 feet (400 m) |
| Settlements | New Post |
Lake Chippewa, also known as the Chippewa Flowage, is a large man-made lake in northwestern Wisconsin. It was created by building a dam across a river. This lake is fed by the East Fork Chippewa River and the West Fork Chippewa River. The Chippewa River flows out of the lake at its southern end, controlled by the Winter Dam.
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What is Lake Chippewa?
Lake Chippewa is a special kind of lake called a reservoir. Reservoirs are lakes that are made by people, usually by building a dam across a river. This helps to store water for different uses.
Where is the Chippewa Flowage?
You can find Lake Chippewa in Sawyer County, which is in the state of Wisconsin. It's a beautiful area known for its many lakes and forests. The lake is close to the small community of New Post.
How Big is This Lake?
Lake Chippewa is quite large! It covers an area of about 14,593 acres. That's like having over 10,000 football fields filled with water. The deepest part of the lake goes down about 92 feet, which is as tall as a nine-story building.
How Was Lake Chippewa Created?
Lake Chippewa was formed when the Winter Dam was built. Before the dam, there were many smaller lakes, rivers, and wetlands in the area. When the dam was finished, the water levels rose and connected all these smaller water bodies. This created the large lake we see today.
The Winter Dam
The Winter Dam is located at the southern end of Lake Chippewa. It controls how much water flows out of the lake into the Chippewa River. Dams like this are important for managing water levels and sometimes for generating electricity.
Fun Facts About Lake Chippewa
Lake Chippewa is famous for many things. It has over 200 undeveloped islands and more than 300 miles of shoreline. This makes it a great place for exploring and enjoying nature.
- Fishing: The lake is very popular for fishing. Many people come here to catch fish like muskellunge, walleye, and bass.
- Wildlife: Because of its many islands and quiet areas, the lake is home to lots of wildlife. You might see eagles, loons, deer, and other animals.
- Recreation: Besides fishing, people enjoy boating, kayaking, and swimming in the lake. It's a wonderful spot for outdoor adventures.
