Scotts Flat Reservoir facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Scotts Flat Reservoir |
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 Scotts Flat Reservoir
Location in California
Scotts Flat Reservoir
Location in the United States
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| Location | Tahoe National Forest Nevada County, California |
| Coordinates | 39°16′22″N 120°55′50″W / 39.2727°N 120.9305°W |
| Type | Reservoir |
| Primary inflows | Deer Creek |
| Primary outflows | Deer Creek |
| Basin countries | United States |
| Surface area | 850 acres (340 ha) |
| Shore length1 | 7.5 mi (12.1 km) |
| Surface elevation | 936 m (3,071 ft) |
| Settlements | Scotts Flat Lake |
| 1 Shore length is not a well-defined measure. | |
Scotts Flat Reservoir is a beautiful lake located in the Tahoe National Forest in Nevada County, California. It's not a natural lake, but an artificial one, meaning it was made by people. You can find it about 6.5 miles east of Nevada City.
This lake sits high up, at an elevation of about 3,100 feet. It covers a large area of 850 acres, and its shoreline stretches for 7.5 miles. The edges of the lake are lined with tall, green pine trees, making it a great place to visit.
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What You Can Do at Scotts Flat Reservoir
Scotts Flat Reservoir is a popular spot for outdoor fun! There are many things to do here, whether you like to relax or be active.
Fun Activities
- Boating: The lake has two places where you can launch your boat. There is also a marina, which is like a parking lot for boats.
- Camping: You can stay overnight at one of the campsites. It's a great way to enjoy nature.
- Picnics: There are special areas set up for picnics, perfect for eating lunch with friends and family.
- Swimming: The lake has sandy beaches where you can swim and play in the water.
- Shopping: If you need anything, there's a general store nearby.
How Scotts Flat Reservoir Was Made
Scotts Flat Reservoir was created by building a special structure called a dam. This dam helps to hold back water and form the lake.
The Scotts Flat Dam
The dam that created Scotts Flat Reservoir is called the Scotts Flat Dam. It was built in 1948. This dam is made from earth and rocks, and it's very strong.
Holding Back Water
The dam's main job is to impound (or hold back) the water from a stream called Deer Creek. By holding back the water, the dam creates the large reservoir behind it. The reservoir can hold a huge amount of water, about 49,000 acre-feet.
Dam Details
The Scotts Flat Dam stands about 175 feet tall above the streambed. It is owned and managed by the Nevada Irrigation District. This district is a local group that helps manage water for the area.
