Lee Lake (Temescal Wash) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Lee Lake |
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 Lee Lake
Location in California
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| Location | Riverside County, California |
| Coordinates | 33°44′51″N 117°26′28″W / 33.74750°N 117.44111°W |
| Type | reservoir |
| Surface elevation | 1,122 feet (342 m) |
Lee Lake is a reservoir, which is a large, man-made lake used to store water. It was created by building the Lee Lake 818-002 Dam across Temescal Creek. This lake is located in Riverside County, California, and sits about 1,122 feet above sea level.
History of Lee Lake
From Lagunita to Lee Lake
Before the dam was built, there was a small natural lake at this spot. It was called Lagunita, which means "little lake" in Spanish. This small lake was already there in the 1800s. It even showed up on a map of the Temescal area from 1860.
Building the Reservoir
In May 1886, a company called the South Riverside Land and Water Company was formed. They bought land from two large ranches nearby. These ranches were called Rancho La Sierra and Rancho Temescal. The company planned to build a new town called South Riverside, which is now known as Corona.
To supply water to their new town, the company needed a reliable water source. They got the rights to use the water from Temescal Creek and its smaller streams, including Lee Lake. They then built dams and pipelines. These structures helped carry the water all the way to the new community.
By 1897-98, the United States Geological Survey mapped the area. Their map, called the Elsinore Quadrangle, clearly showed the dam and the newly formed Lee Lake.
A Changing Name
More recently, a fishing business started operating at the lake. Because of this, some people now call it Corona Lake.
