Mountain Meadows Reservoir facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Mountain Meadows Reservoir |
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Mountain Meadows Reservoir can be seen at right in this satellite image. Lake Almanor at left.
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 Mountain Meadows Reservoir
Location in California
Mountain Meadows Reservoir
Location in the United States
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| Location | Lassen County, California |
| Coordinates | 40°16′11″N 120°57′38″W / 40.26972°N 120.96056°W |
| Type | reservoir |
| Primary outflows | Hamilton Creek |
| Catchment area | 163.1 square miles (422 km2) |
| Basin countries | United States |
| Max. length | 5 miles (8.0 km) |
| Max. width | 2 miles (3.2 km) |
| Surface area | 5,800 acres (2,300 ha) |
| Water volume | 24,800 acre-feet (30,600,000 m3) |
| Surface elevation | 5,046 feet (1,538 m) |
| Settlements | Westwood, California |
Mountain Meadows Reservoir is a special lake located in Lassen County, California. It is also known by another name, Walker Lake. This lake was created by people when the Indian Ole Dam was finished in 1924.
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About Mountain Meadows Reservoir
Mountain Meadows Reservoir is an artificial lake, meaning it was made by humans, not by nature. It's found in the beautiful area of Lassen County, California. The lake is sometimes called Walker Lake. Its waters are held back by the Indian Ole Dam, which was built almost a hundred years ago.
How the Lake Gets and Gives Water
Many creeks flow into Mountain Meadows Reservoir, filling it with water. These include Robbers Creek, Goodrich Creek, Duffy Creek, Cottonwood Creek, Mountain Meadows Creek, Greenville Creek, and Deerheart Creek. The water then flows out of the reservoir into Hamilton Creek. Hamilton Creek eventually feeds into a much larger lake called Lake Almanor.
The Indian Ole Dam
The Indian Ole Dam is a special type of dam called a flashboard and buttress dam. It is about 264 feet (80 m) long and 26 feet (7.9 m) high. This dam helps control the water level of the reservoir. The Pacific Gas and Electric Company owns the dam and also takes care of the land around it.
A Look Back in Time
The area around Mountain Meadows Reservoir has a long history. You can find signs of early American pioneers and the Maidu people who lived there long ago. Some old sites are even thought to be hidden beneath the lake's waters.
In 2015, something unusual happened. On September 13, the reservoir completely dried up. This sad event caused many fish to die.
Fun Things to Do at the Lake
Mountain Meadows Reservoir is a great place for outdoor activities. People enjoy duck hunting, watching birds, and fishing there. When the weather gets cold enough, it's also a popular spot for ice-skating. Near the dam, there is a boat ramp where you can launch your boat. You can reach this ramp by a gravel road maintained by the county.
