Shadow Mountain Lake facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Shadow Mountain Lake |
|
|---|---|
Shadow Mountain Lake looking West
|
|
 Shadow Mountain Lake
Location in Colorado
Shadow Mountain Lake
Location in the United States
|
|
| Location | Grand County, Colorado, United States |
| Coordinates | 40°13′40″N 105°50′35″W / 40.22778°N 105.84306°W |
| Basin countries | United States |
| Surface area | 1,346 acres (545 ha) |
| Water volume | 16,848 acre-feet (20.782×106 m3) |
| Surface elevation | 2,550 m (8,366 ft) |
| Settlements | Grand Lake |
Shadow Mountain Lake is a beautiful lake in Grand County, Colorado. It is located high in the mountains, close to where the Colorado River begins. This lake was created by people building a dam called Shadow Mountain Dam.
Shadow Mountain Lake is special because it connects to Grand Lake. Grand Lake is the biggest natural lake in Colorado. Even though they are connected, gates separate the two lakes.
Shadow Mountain Lake: A Mountain Gem
Shadow Mountain Lake is not a natural lake. It is a reservoir. A reservoir is like a giant storage tank for water. It holds water for many different uses. This lake is part of the Arapaho National Recreation Area. This means it is a protected place where people can enjoy nature.
How the Lake Was Formed
Shadow Mountain Lake was created as part of a big plan called the Colorado-Big Thompson Project. This project was approved in 1937. Its main goal was to move water from the western side of the Continental Divide to the eastern side.
The Continental Divide is like a giant mountain ridge. It separates which way water flows across North America. Water on one side flows to the Pacific Ocean. Water on the other side flows to the Atlantic Ocean.
Water from Shadow Mountain Lake and Grand Lake travels through a long tunnel. This tunnel is called the Alva B. Adams Tunnel. It goes right through the mountains! The tunnel carries water to the Big Thompson River on the east side of the Continental Divide. Water began to be stored in the lake in 1947.
Fun Facts About the Lake
- Shadow Mountain Lake covers about 1,346 acres. That's a lot of water!
- It sits at an elevation of about 2,550 meters (8,366 feet) above sea level. That's very high up in the mountains!
- The nearby town of Grand Lake is a popular spot for visitors.
