Lake Merwin facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Lake Merwin |
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Aerial view of Lake Merwin
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 Lake Merwin
Location in Washington (state)
Lake Merwin
Location in the United States
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| Location | Clark / Cowlitz counties, Washington, United States |
| Coordinates | 45°59′N 122°28′W / 45.983°N 122.467°W |
| Type | reservoir |
| Primary inflows | Lewis River |
| Primary outflows | Lewis River |
| Catchment area | 731 square miles (1,890 km2) |
| Basin countries | United States |
| Surface area | 3,921 acres (15.9 km2) |
| Max. depth | 190 m (620 ft) |
| Water volume | 422,400 acre-feet (0.521 km3) |
| Shore length1 | 32 mi (51 km) |
| 1 Shore length is not a well-defined measure. | |
Lake Merwin is a large lake in the U.S. state of Washington. It is not a natural lake. Instead, it is a special type of lake called a reservoir. Reservoirs are created by people to store water.
Lake Merwin is located right on the border between two counties: Clark County and Cowlitz County. It was formed in 1931 when the Merwin Dam was built across the Lewis River.
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About Lake Merwin
Lake Merwin is an important part of the Lewis River system. The Lewis River flows into the lake and also flows out of it. This river is a major waterway in southwestern Washington.
How Lake Merwin Was Formed
Lake Merwin was created by building a large structure called a dam. The dam, known as Merwin Dam, was completed in 1931. When the dam was finished, it blocked the flow of the Lewis River. This caused the river water to back up and form the large lake we now call Lake Merwin.
The main reason for building Merwin Dam was to generate hydroelectricity. This is a way of making electricity using the power of moving water. The dam helps control the river's flow and provides a steady supply of water for power generation.
Lake Merwin Facts and Figures
Lake Merwin is quite big! It covers an area of about 3,921 acres (which is about 15.87 square kilometers). That's a lot of water!
The lake is also very deep in some places. Its maximum depth is around 190 meters (or about 620 feet). Imagine diving that deep! The shoreline of Lake Merwin stretches for about 32 miles (or 51 kilometers). This long shoreline offers many beautiful views.
The total amount of water in Lake Merwin is huge. It holds about 422,400 acre-feet of water. This is equal to about 0.521 cubic kilometers of water. This large volume of water is important for generating electricity and managing the river.
Things to Do at Lake Merwin
Lake Merwin is a popular spot for outdoor activities. Many people enjoy visiting the lake for fun and relaxation.
Boating and Fishing
Boating is a favorite activity on Lake Merwin. People can enjoy various types of boats on its waters. Fishing is also very popular here. The lake is home to different kinds of fish, making it a great place for anglers.
Camping and Picnics
Around Lake Merwin, there are places where families and friends can go camping. Spending a night under the stars near the lake can be a wonderful experience. There are also areas perfect for picnics, where visitors can enjoy meals outdoors with beautiful lake views.
