Pathfinder Reservoir facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Pathfinder Reservoir |
|
|---|---|
 Pathfinder Reservoir
Location in Wyoming
Pathfinder Reservoir
Location in the United States
|
|
| Location | Carbon / Natrona counties, Wyoming, United States |
| Coordinates | 42°28′05″N 106°51′14″W / 42.46806°N 106.85389°W |
| Type | reservoir |
| Primary inflows | North Platte River |
| Primary outflows | North Platte River |
| Basin countries | United States |
| Max. depth | 192 feet (59 m) |
| Water volume | 1,016,000 acre⋅ft (1.253 km3) |
| Shore length1 | 117 mi (188 km) |
| Surface elevation | 5,846 ft (1,782 m) |
| 1 Shore length is not a well-defined measure. | |
Pathfinder Reservoir is a big lake in the state of Wyoming, United States. It was made by building a dam on the North Platte River. This important reservoir is located between the cities of Casper and Rawlins. It sits in both Carbon County and Natrona County.
Contents
About Pathfinder Reservoir
Pathfinder Reservoir is a large, human-made lake. It was created by the Pathfinder Dam. The dam helps to hold back the waters of the North Platte River. This creates a huge storage area for water. The reservoir can hold over 1 million acre-feet of water. An acre-foot is enough water to cover one acre of land one foot deep.
Why Pathfinder Reservoir is Important
The water stored in Pathfinder Reservoir is very important. It helps supply water for the North Platte Project. This project provides water to irrigate about 335,000 acres of farmland. This means it helps crops grow in a large area. The reservoir also releases water for other uses. This includes providing water for towns and for power plants. These power plants use the flowing water to make electricity.
The Shoreline and Location
The reservoir has a long shoreline. It stretches for about 117 miles (188 kilometers). This long edge creates many different habitats. Pathfinder Reservoir is located about 47 miles (76 kilometers) southwest of Casper. Its location in central Wyoming makes it a key part of the region's water system.
Nature and Wildlife
Much of Pathfinder Reservoir is part of the Pathfinder National Wildlife Refuge. A wildlife refuge is a special area. It is set aside to protect wild animals and their homes. This refuge helps many different kinds of birds and other wildlife. They can find food, water, and shelter here.
Unique Fish Species
Pathfinder Reservoir is home to a very special fish. It is the only place in the United States where you can find the Macedonian Ohrid Trout. This fish is originally from Lake Ohrid in Macedonia. Scientists brought some of these trout to Pathfinder Reservoir. They have been living and reproducing here ever since. This makes the reservoir a unique spot for fish conservation.
