List of lakes of Valley County, Montana (A-L) facts for kids
Valley County, Montana, is a fascinating place known for its many water bodies. It's home to at least 266 named lakes and reservoirs. These water features are important for the environment, wildlife, and people living in the area.
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What's the Difference Between a Lake and a Reservoir?
A lake is usually a natural body of water. It's a large area filled with water, surrounded by land. Lakes can be formed by glaciers, volcanoes, or even rivers changing course over time.
A reservoir, on the other hand, is a man-made lake. It's created when a dam is built across a river or stream. Reservoirs are built for many reasons. They can store water for drinking, help with irrigation for farms, or control floods. They can also be used to generate hydroelectricity or for recreation like fishing and boating.
Why So Many Water Bodies in Valley County?
Valley County, Montana, is part of a region where water management is very important. Many of the reservoirs here were built to help manage water resources. They collect water during wet seasons and store it for drier times. This helps support local communities and agriculture.
Exploring Some Lakes and Reservoirs
While there are hundreds of lakes and reservoirs in Valley County, here are a few examples to give you an idea of their variety:
Natural Lakes
- Dry Lake, 48°05′03″N 106°37′09″W / 48.08417°N 106.61917°W, sits at an elevation of 2,287 feet (697 m).
- Lake Elbert, 48°53′52″N 106°49′13″W / 48.89778°N 106.82028°W, is another natural lake, found at 2,615 feet (797 m) above sea level.
- Lake Grable, 48°50′55″N 106°59′18″W / 48.84861°N 106.98833°W, has an elevation of 2,556 feet (779 m).
Man-Made Reservoirs
Many reservoirs in Valley County are named after people or local features. They are crucial for water supply and other uses.
- Abey Reservoir, 48°33′22″N 106°53′30″W / 48.55611°N 106.89167°W, is located at 2,562 feet (781 m).
- Ada Reservoir, 48°33′00″N 106°52′24″W / 48.55000°N 106.87333°W, sits at an elevation of 2,641 feet (805 m).
- Fort Peck Lake, 48°00′10″N 106°24′58″W / 48.00278°N 106.41611°W, is one of the largest man-made lakes in the world. It was created by the Fort Peck Dam on the Missouri River. This huge reservoir is important for flood control, navigation, and wildlife. It is located at 2,313 feet (705 m).
- Fort Peck Trout Pond, 48°03′17″N 106°26′30″W / 48.05472°N 106.44167°W, is a smaller water body near Fort Peck Lake, at 2,044 feet (623 m). It's a popular spot for fishing.
- Cactus Flat Detention Reservoir, 47°59′52″N 106°47′39″W / 47.99778°N 106.79417°W, at 2,251 feet (686 m), helps manage water flow in its area.
- Last Chance Reservoir, 48°51′50″N 106°45′37″W / 48.86389°N 106.76028°W, is found at 2,602 feet (793 m).
Importance of These Water Bodies
These lakes and reservoirs are more than just names on a map. They provide homes for many types of fish and other wildlife. They also offer places for people to enjoy nature, whether it's through fishing, birdwatching, or simply enjoying the peaceful scenery. Managing these water resources carefully helps keep Valley County healthy and thriving.
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