List of lakes of Pondera County, Montana facts for kids
Pondera County, located in the beautiful state of Montana, is a place filled with amazing natural features. It's especially known for its many bodies of water, including at least 29 named lakes and reservoirs. These watery spots are not just pretty to look at; they are also very important for the environment and the people living nearby.
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Water Wonders of Pondera County
What are Lakes and Reservoirs?
A lake is a large area of water surrounded by land. Most lakes are natural, formed by things like glaciers or volcanoes over thousands of years. They can hold fresh water or sometimes salt water.
A reservoir is also a large body of water, but it's usually created by people. Reservoirs are often made by building a dam across a river. They are used to store water for drinking, farming (irrigation), making electricity (hydroelectric power), and even for fun activities like boating and fishing.
Lakes in Pondera County
Pondera County is home to many natural lakes, each with its own unique features. These lakes are important habitats for wildlife and offer beautiful scenery. Here are some of the lakes you can find:
- Abbott Lake, 48°24′24″N 112°13′36″W / 48.40667°N 112.22667°W, located at an elevation of about 3,619 feet (1,103 m).
- Alkali Lake, 48°24′32″N 112°27′40″W / 48.40889°N 112.46111°W, which is around 3,786 feet (1,154 m) high.
- Blue Lake, 48°09′05″N 113°05′33″W / 48.15139°N 113.09250°W, found at a higher elevation of 5,863 feet (1,787 m).
- Cody Lake, 48°10′23″N 112°49′09″W / 48.17306°N 112.81917°W, sitting at 4,695 feet (1,431 m).
- Deep Lake, 48°10′30″N 112°47′23″W / 48.17500°N 112.78972°W, with an elevation of 4,678 feet (1,426 m).
- Emerald Lake, 48°09′30″N 113°01′18″W / 48.15833°N 113.02167°W, one of the higher lakes at 6,585 feet (2,007 m).
- Eyraud Lakes, 48°01′03″N 111°58′55″W / 48.01750°N 111.98194°W, located at 3,720 feet (1,130 m).
- Fish Lake, 48°09′13″N 112°48′50″W / 48.15361°N 112.81389°W, found at 4,934 feet (1,504 m).
- Green Lake, 48°14′36″N 112°52′01″W / 48.24333°N 112.86694°W, at an elevation of 4,826 feet (1,471 m).
- Heron Lake, 48°22′48″N 112°01′14″W / 48.38000°N 112.02056°W, sitting at 3,451 feet (1,052 m).
- Hidden Lake, 48°10′03″N 112°50′46″W / 48.16750°N 112.84611°W, at 4,678 feet (1,426 m).
- Horn Lake, 48°17′13″N 112°54′19″W / 48.28694°N 112.90528°W, found at 4,751 feet (1,448 m).
- Howes Lakes, 48°10′17″N 112°48′11″W / 48.17139°N 112.80306°W, with an elevation of 4,734 feet (1,443 m).
- Kiyo Crag Lake, 48°18′19″N 113°07′14″W / 48.30528°N 113.12056°W, one of the highest at 6,211 feet (1,893 m).
- Letz Lake, 48°13′55″N 111°49′33″W / 48.23194°N 111.82583°W, at 3,366 feet (1,026 m).
- Mitten Lake, 48°18′13″N 112°58′52″W / 48.30361°N 112.98111°W, found at 4,747 feet (1,447 m).
- Round Lake, 48°09′42″N 112°47′08″W / 48.16167°N 112.78556°W, at 4,757 feet (1,450 m).
- Slippery Hoof Lake, 48°16′11″N 113°02′31″W / 48.26972°N 113.04194°W, with an elevation of 4,842 feet (1,476 m).
- Stetler Lakes, 48°25′45″N 112°12′37″W / 48.42917°N 112.21028°W, found at 3,602 feet (1,098 m).
- Twin Lakes, 48°09′11″N 112°47′31″W / 48.15306°N 112.79194°W, at 4,800 feet (1,500 m).
- Waddel Lakes, 48°11′09″N 112°47′52″W / 48.18583°N 112.79778°W, with an elevation of 4,682 feet (1,427 m).
Reservoirs in Pondera County
These human-made water bodies play a key role in managing water resources for the community. They help provide water for homes, farms, and sometimes even generate power.
- Conrad Reservoir, 48°11′25″N 112°01′20″W / 48.19028°N 112.02222°W, at an elevation of 3,714 feet (1,132 m).
- Fowler Reservoir, 48°13′18″N 111°26′03″W / 48.22167°N 111.43417°W, found at 3,314 feet (1,010 m).
- Fowler Reservoir, 48°12′45″N 111°36′19″W / 48.21250°N 111.60528°W, another one at 3,353 feet (1,022 m).
- Green Lake, 48°14′36″N 112°51′39″W / 48.24333°N 112.86083°W, at 4,823 feet (1,470 m).
- Lake Frances, 48°15′46″N 112°12′28″W / 48.26278°N 112.20778°W, a notable reservoir at 3,819 feet (1,164 m).
- Swift Reservoir, 48°09′49″N 112°52′20″W / 48.16361°N 112.87222°W, at 4,862 feet (1,482 m).
- Tedson Reservoir, 48°09′05″N 112°44′27″W / 48.15139°N 112.74083°W, with an elevation of 4,678 feet (1,426 m).
Why are These Waters Important?
The lakes and reservoirs in Pondera County are vital for many reasons. They provide homes for different kinds of fish and other aquatic animals. They also support local plants and birds, making the area a rich ecosystem.
For people, these water bodies offer opportunities for recreation like fishing, boating, and swimming. More importantly, they supply water for drinking and for irrigating farms, which is crucial for the agriculture in Montana. They are a valuable natural resource that helps Pondera County thrive.