Lake Tacoma facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Lake Tacoma |
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Glacial lakes Lake Tacoma, Lake Nisqually, & Lake Russell
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 Lake Tacoma
Location in Washington (state)
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| Location | Puyallup River Pierce County, Washington |
| Coordinates | 47°17′00″N 122°26′58″W / 47.283283°N 122.449330°W |
| Lake type | Glacial lake (former) |
| Primary inflows | Vashon Glacier |
| Primary outflows | Ohop channel |
| Basin countries | United States |
| Max. length | 25 miles (40 km) |
| Max. width | 18 miles (29 km) |
| Max. depth | 256 feet (78 m) |
| Residence time | ca 200 years |
| Surface elevation | 350 m (1,150 ft) |
Lake Tacoma was a huge freshwater lake that existed long ago. It formed in the area where the Puyallup River and Green River flow today. This ancient lake was created by a giant sheet of ice called the Vashon Glacier.
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What Was Lake Tacoma?
Lake Tacoma was a massive prehistoric lake. It formed during the last Ice Age, thousands of years ago. This lake was a type of glacial lake, meaning it was created by melting ice from a glacier.
It covered a large part of what is now Pierce County, Washington and other nearby areas. The lake was very deep, reaching about 256 feet (78 m) in some places.
How Did Lake Tacoma Form?
Lake Tacoma formed as the Vashon Glacier began to melt and retreat. This glacier was a huge sheet of ice that covered much of the Puget Sound region. As the climate warmed, the glacier slowly melted.
The melting ice created enormous amounts of water. This water got trapped in the valleys and low-lying areas. It formed a large lake in the basins of the Puyallup and Green Rivers.
The lake's water eventually flowed out through a channel called the Ohop channel. This channel helped drain some of the lake's water.
From Lake Puyallup to Lake Tacoma
Before it was called Lake Tacoma, this body of water was known as Lake Puyallup. The name changed as the Vashon Glacier continued to melt and move.
When the glacier had pulled back enough to reach Commencement Bay, the lake's shape and size changed. A specific bluff, where the city of Tacoma is now built, marks this important point. It's the landmark where Lake Puyallup became known as Lake Tacoma.
Where Was Lake Tacoma Located?
Lake Tacoma stretched across a wide area in what is now Washington state. It was mainly located in the river basins of the Puyallup River and the Green River. These areas are found in Pierce County, Washington, King County, Washington, and Thurston County, Washington.
The lake was quite large, measuring about 25 miles (40 km) long and 18 miles (29 km) wide. Its surface was about 350 m (1,150 ft) above sea level. Imagine a lake that big existing where cities and towns are today!
