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List of lakes of Montana facts for kids

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Montana is home to over 3,223 named lakes and reservoirs. These amazing bodies of water are important for many reasons. They provide homes for wildlife, places for fun activities, and even water for people to use.

What is a Lake?

A lake is a large area of water that is completely surrounded by land. Most lakes on Earth are made of fresh water. However, some lakes, like the Great Salt Lake in Utah, are salty. Lakes are usually much bigger and deeper than ponds. They are also different from the ocean because they are found inland, not connected to the sea.

What is a Reservoir?

A reservoir is like a special, artificial lake that people create. The word "reservoir" comes from a French word meaning "storehouse." Reservoirs are built to store water for different uses.

How are Reservoirs Made?

Most reservoirs are made by building a large dam across a river valley. This dam holds back the river's water, forming a big lake behind it. Sometimes, reservoirs are also built by digging a large hole in the ground. They can also be made using strong materials like brick or concrete.

Why are Reservoirs Important?

Reservoirs are very important for communities. They store water for drinking, farming, and making electricity. Many reservoirs also offer fun activities. You might be able to go swimming, fishing, or boating in some of them. However, it's important to remember that not all reservoirs allow these activities.

Montana's Many Lakes and Reservoirs

With more than 3,223 named lakes and reservoirs, Montana has a huge amount of water. These water bodies are spread out across all the different counties in the state. Each lake and reservoir has its own unique features and uses.

Finding Lakes by County

If you want to learn more about the lakes and reservoirs in specific parts of Montana, you can check out these lists. They are organized by county, making it easy to find what you're looking for.

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List of lakes of Montana Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.