Potholes Reservoir facts for kids
The Potholes Reservoir is a large lake in central Washington, United States. It was made by people as part of a big plan called the Columbia Basin Irrigation Project. This project helps bring water to farms in the area. The reservoir was created by building the O'Sullivan Dam. Water from Moses Lake also flows into it.
Quick facts for kids Potholes Reservoir |
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Aerial view from the north (2009). Moses Lake is at lower left and the Potholes Reservoir at center.
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 Potholes Reservoir
Location in Washington (state)
Potholes Reservoir
Location in the United States
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| Location | Grant County, Washington, United States |
| Coordinates | 46°58′57″N 119°17′28″W / 46.98250°N 119.29111°W |
| Lake type | Reservoir |
| Basin countries | United States |
| Average depth | 18 feet (5.5 m) |
| Max. depth | 142 feet (43 m) |
| Surface elevation | 1,043 feet (318 m) |
How Potholes Reservoir Was Formed
The area around the reservoir has many smaller lakes, often called "potholes." These potholes are usually about 30 to 70 yards wide and 10 to 30 feet deep. They were made in two ways: naturally and by people.
Long, long ago, during the Ice Age, huge floods from a giant ancient lake called Glacial Lake Missoula carved out these deep holes. Later, when the Columbia Basin Project built dams, the water level rose. This caused the old, natural holes to fill up with water and become the lakes we see today.
Fun at Potholes Reservoir
Right on the shore of the Potholes Reservoir is Potholes State Park. This park is huge, covering about 640 acres (2.6 square kilometers). It has over 6,000 feet (1,800 meters) of shoreline along the reservoir. It's a great place for families to visit and enjoy the outdoors.
Fishing Adventures
The Potholes Reservoir is a popular spot for fishing. Many different kinds of fish live in its waters, making it exciting for anglers. Some of the fish you might catch include:
