Liberty Lake (Nevada) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Liberty Lake |
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 Liberty Lake
Location in Nevada
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| Location | Elko County, Nevada |
| Coordinates | 40°34′48″N 115°23′42″W / 40.58000°N 115.39500°W |
| Type | tarn |
| Primary outflows | Kleckner Creek |
| Basin countries | United States |
| Surface area | 21 acres (8.5 ha) |
| Max. depth | 108 ft (33 m) |
| Surface elevation | 10,039 ft (3,060 m) |
Liberty Lake is a beautiful lake located high up in the Ruby Mountains of Nevada, in the United States. It's a special kind of lake called a "glacial tarn." This means it was formed a very long time ago by giant sheets of ice, called glaciers. The lake is found in Elko County, Nevada, and is part of a protected area called the Ruby Mountains Wilderness.
Liberty Lake sits at a very high elevation of about 10,039 feet (3,060 meters) above sea level. It covers an area of about 21 acres (8.5 hectares). At its deepest point, the lake is about 108 feet (33 meters) deep.
How Liberty Lake Was Formed
Liberty Lake is a great example of a "glacial tarn." To understand this, imagine a huge, slow-moving river of ice, called a glacier. Thousands of years ago, during the last Ice Age, glaciers covered many parts of the world, including the Ruby Mountains.
As these massive glaciers moved down mountain valleys, they were incredibly powerful. They scraped and carved away the rock beneath them, creating deep, bowl-shaped hollows. When the climate warmed up and the glaciers melted, these hollows filled with water, forming lakes like Liberty Lake.
Location and Surroundings
Liberty Lake is nestled in a place called Kleckner Canyon. It's located in the central part of the Ruby Mountains, which are sometimes called the "Nevada Alps" because of their rugged, alpine look. The lake is part of the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest, which helps protect the natural environment.
The lake is one of the main sources for a stream called Kleckner Creek. This creek flows out of the mountains and eventually joins other streams to form the South Fork Humboldt River. This river is an important waterway in Nevada.
Exploring the Area
The area around Liberty Lake is popular for outdoor activities. The famous Ruby Crest National Recreation Trail runs right along the western side of the lake. This trail is a favorite for hikers and backpackers who want to explore the stunning mountain scenery.
Hiking along the Ruby Crest Trail offers amazing views of the lake and the surrounding peaks. It's a great way to experience the wilderness and see the unique plants and animals that live in this high-mountain environment.
