Shaver Lake facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Shaver Lake |
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 Shaver Lake
Location in California
Shaver Lake
Location in the United States
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| Location | Sierra National Forest Fresno County, California |
| Coordinates | 37°07′33″N 119°17′27″W / 37.12597°N 119.29075°W |
| Type | Reservoir |
| Primary inflows | Stevenson Creek |
| Primary outflows | Stevenson Creek Big Creek |
| Catchment area | 29.3 sq mi (76 km2) |
| Basin countries | United States |
| Surface area | 2,177 acres (881 ha) |
| Water volume | 135,283 acre⋅ft (166,869 dam3) |
| Surface elevation | 5,500 ft (1,700 m) |
| Settlements | Shaver Lake Shaver Lake Heights |
Shaver Lake is a beautiful human-made lake located in the Sierra National Forest in Fresno County, California. It sits high up at about 5,500 feet (1,676 meters) above sea level. The lake gets its water from Stevenson Creek and other smaller streams. It also receives water through tunnels from Southern California Edison's Big Creek Hydroelectric Project. The small town of Shaver Lake is right on its southwest shore.
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How Shaver Lake Was Made
Shaver Lake was created when the Shaver Lake Dam was built. This dam was constructed by Southern California Edison and finished in 1927. The dam is 180 feet (55 meters) tall. It was built in large sections, like giant blocks, to make it strong and waterproof. The lake can hold a huge amount of water, about 135,283 acre-feet. Some of this water is released back into Stevenson Creek to help fish and other wildlife. The rest of the water is sent to Big Creek, where it helps power several hydroelectric plants. These plants use the moving water to create electricity!
History of the Area
Before the dam was built, the area where Shaver Lake now sits was a busy place for logging. Many trees were cut down, and a long system of wooden channels, called a log flume, was used to float the logs down the mountain. Even today, the town of Shaver Lake keeps a fun logging theme. Some buildings in town are actually old sawmills that have been changed into new uses. Next to the lake, you'll find Camp Edison, which is run by Southern California Edison.
The lake and the town are named after Charles B. Shaver, who was an important pioneer in the lumber business.
Fun Facts and Activities
Shaver Lake has been a popular spot for different activities and even TV shows!
TV Shows Filmed Here
Several reality television shows have been filmed at Shaver Lake. These include Endurance: High Sierras in 2006, Capture in 2013, and Karma in 2019. It's cool to think that TV crews were right there at the lake!
Fishing and Outdoor Fun
If you love fishing, you might be interested in the Shaver Lake Trophy Trout Project. This group helps teach people about fishing and works to make Shaver Lake a great place for anglers.
Camp Chawanakee
On a small piece of land sticking out into the southern part of Shaver Lake, you'll find Camp Chawanakee. This is a Scout camp where Boy Scout troops from all over California come to spend their summers. The camp offers tons of exciting activities, including:
- Canoeing
- Sailing
- Row boating
- Kayaking
- Swimming
- Hiking
- Rifle shooting
- Shotgun shooting
- Archery
- Horse riding
- Rock wall climbing
- Zip lining
- Fishing
- Crafts
- And many other adventures!
