Mirror Pond facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Mirror Pond |
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Mirror Pond from "The Emblem" in the summer
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 Mirror Pond
Location in Oregon
Mirror Pond
Location in the United States
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| Location | Bend, Oregon |
| Coordinates | 44°03′43″N 121°18′51″W / 44.06206°N 121.3142°W |
| Type | reservoir |
| Primary inflows | Deschutes River |
| Primary outflows | Deschutes River |
| Catchment area | 700,000 acres (280,000 ha) |
| Basin countries | U.S. |
| Built | 1910 |
| Max. length | 0.6 mi (1 km) |
| Max. width | 400 ft (122 m) |
| Surface elevation | 3,586 ft (1,093 m) |
| Islands | 4 minor islands with trees |
Mirror Pond is a beautiful part of the Deschutes River in Bend, Oregon. It's not a natural lake, but a section of the river that has been widened and deepened by a dam. This creates a calm, mirror-like surface, which is how it got its name!
Mirror Pond is a popular spot for both locals and visitors. It's surrounded by several parks, like Drake Park, and many buildings. People enjoy walking along its banks and taking in the scenic views.
The Story of Mirror Pond
Mirror Pond was created in 1910. This happened when the Bend Water, Light & Power Company built a dam. This dam was important because it gave the city of Bend its first source of electricity.
Since 1926, the dam has been owned by Pacific Power. It still helps produce electricity today. The power generated here is enough for about 200 homes in Bend.
Why Mirror Pond Gets Muddy
Over time, rivers naturally carry dirt, sand, and small rocks. This material is called sediment. Since the dam was built, the Deschutes River has been depositing sediment into Mirror Pond. This process is called siltation.
The river brings sediment from a very large area, about 700,000 acres. This sediment settles behind the dam, making parts of the pond shallow and muddy. Mirror Pond is the only place on the upper Deschutes River where this happens because of a dam used for electricity.
Dealing with the Silt
The mud and silt in Mirror Pond have become a concern for the community. The shallow areas can make it harder for boats and other recreational activities. They also change how the pond looks, which is important for tourism in downtown Bend.
In 1984, the community worked together to clean up the pond. They supported a project that cost $312,000. This project involved removing about 60,000 cubic feet of material. The goal was to make the pond at least 5 feet deep. However, this cleanup was not a permanent solution. The river continues to bring in new sediment.
Today, the buildup of sediment is still a big topic in Bend. People are looking for new ways to manage the silt and keep Mirror Pond beautiful for everyone to enjoy.
