Lake Wallula facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Lake Wallula |
|
|---|---|
 Lake Wallula
Location in Oregon
Lake Wallula
Location in Washington (state)
Lake Wallula
Location in the United States
|
|
| Location | Washington / Oregon, United States |
| Coordinates | 45°56′11″N 119°17′52″W / 45.93639°N 119.29778°W |
| Type | reservoir |
| Primary inflows | |
| Primary outflows | Columbia River |
| Basin countries | United States |
| Surface elevation | 340 ft (100 m) |
Lake Wallula is a large reservoir located in the United States. It sits between the states of Washington and Oregon. This lake was formed in 1954. It came into being when the McNary Dam was built.
Lake Wallula stretches a long way. It goes from McNary Dam, near Umatilla, Oregon, all the way to the Tri-Cities area in Washington. The main river that flows into and out of Lake Wallula is the mighty Columbia River. Other important rivers like the Snake River, Yakima River, and Walla Walla River also feed into it.
What is a Reservoir?
A reservoir is like a big, artificial lake. People create reservoirs by building a dam across a river. This dam holds back the water. Reservoirs are very important. They store water for many uses. This can include drinking water, irrigation for farms, and generating electricity.
How Was Lake Wallula Formed?
Lake Wallula was created by the construction of the McNary Dam. This dam was completed in 1954. When the dam was finished, it blocked the flow of the Columbia River. This caused the river water to back up and spread out. This spreading water formed the large lake we now call Lake Wallula.
Where is Lake Wallula Located?
Lake Wallula is found in the northwestern part of the United States. It forms a natural border between two states. These are Washington to the north and Oregon to the south. The lake is a significant feature of the landscape in this region. It is an important part of the Columbia River system.
