Lake Sacajawea facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Lake Sacajawea |
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Overview of the lake in 2017
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 Lake Sacajawea
Location in Washington (state)
Lake Sacajawea
Location in the United States
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| Location | Franklin / Walla Walla counties, Washington, United States |
| Coordinates | 46°14′58″N 118°52′47″W / 46.24944°N 118.87972°W |
| Type | reservoir |
| Primary inflows | Snake River |
| Primary outflows | Snake River |
| Basin countries | United States |
Lake Sacajawea is a large reservoir (a human-made lake) located in the state of Washington, United States. It was created by building a special structure called the Ice Harbor Dam on the Snake River. This lake stretches for many miles upstream from the dam, all the way to another dam called the Lower Monumental Dam.
The lake is named after a very important historical figure, Sacagawea. She was a Shoshone woman who played a key role in the famous Lewis and Clark Expedition. This expedition explored the western parts of North America a long time ago.
Contents
What is a Reservoir?
A reservoir is like a big, artificial lake. It is built by blocking a river with a dam. Dams are strong walls that hold back water. This creates a large body of water behind the dam.
Reservoirs are very useful. They can store water for drinking, help control floods, and even generate hydroelectricity. Hydroelectricity is a way to make electricity using the power of moving water.
How Lake Sacajawea Was Formed
Lake Sacajawea was created when the Ice Harbor Dam was built. This dam is located on the Snake River. The Snake River is a major river in the northwestern United States.
When the dam was finished, it stopped the flow of the river. This caused a large amount of water to back up behind the dam. This backed-up water then formed Lake Sacajawea. The lake now stretches between the Ice Harbor Dam and the Lower Monumental Dam.
The Ice Harbor Dam
The Ice Harbor Dam is a large concrete dam. It was built by the United States Army Corps of Engineers. The dam helps manage the water flow of the Snake River.
It also has a navigation lock. This lock allows boats and barges to travel past the dam. It helps ships move between different water levels.
Who Was Sacajawea?
Lake Sacajawea is named after a brave and important woman named Sacajawea. She was a member of the Shoshone Native American tribe. Sacajawea was born around 1788.
She is famous for helping the Lewis and Clark Expedition. This expedition was led by Meriwether Lewis and William Clark. They were sent by President Thomas Jefferson to explore the lands acquired in the Louisiana Purchase.
Sacajawea joined the expedition in 1805. She served as a guide and an interpreter. An interpreter helps people who speak different languages understand each other. Her knowledge of the land and local tribes was very important. She helped the explorers find food and navigate difficult areas. Her presence also showed peaceful intentions to Native American tribes they met.
Location and Surroundings
Lake Sacajawea is located in two counties in Washington state. These are Franklin County and Walla Walla County. The area around the lake is known for its dry climate.
The landscape includes rolling hills and open spaces. The Snake River flows through this region. It is an important waterway for both nature and human activities.
Activities and Importance
While the main purpose of Lake Sacajawea is related to the dam, it also offers some activities. People can enjoy boating and fishing on the lake. The lake's waters are home to various fish species.
The lake and the dam are important for the region. They help with water management and provide hydroelectricity. This electricity powers homes and businesses. The dam also helps with river navigation for trade and transport.
Images for kids
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Overview of the lake in 2017
