Soda Lake (Washington) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Soda Lake |
|
|---|---|
Soda Lake, seen from the Soda lake dam
|
|
 Soda Lake
Location in Washington (state)
Soda Lake
Location in the United States
|
|
| Location | Grant County, Washington |
| Coordinates | 46°57′49.8″N 119°14′16.74″W / 46.963833°N 119.2379833°W |
| Part of | Potholes Reservoir |
| River sources | Potholes Reservoir Irrigation Canals |
| Surface area | 145.1 acres (58.7 ha) |
| Surface elevation | 1,002 ft (305 m) |
Soda Lake is a cool body of water located in Grant County, Washington, in the United States. It's not just a natural lake; it's also considered a reservoir. This means its water levels can be managed, often to help with things like irrigation for farms or to support wildlife.
Contents
What is Soda Lake?
Soda Lake is part of a bigger system called the Potholes Reservoir. Think of it like a smaller pool connected to a much larger swimming pool. Water flows into Soda Lake from the Potholes Reservoir through special irrigation canals. These canals are like big ditches that carry water to different places.
Where is Soda Lake Located?
Soda Lake is found in the central part of Washington (state). This area is known for its unique landscape, which was shaped by ancient floods. The lake is specifically within Grant County, a place with many lakes and wetlands.
How Big is Soda Lake?
Soda Lake covers an area of about 145.1 acres. To give you an idea, one acre is roughly the size of a football field without the end zones. So, Soda Lake is like 145 football fields put together! It sits at an elevation of about 1,002 feet above sea level. This means it's quite a bit higher than the ocean.
Soda Lake and Wildlife
Soda Lake is an important spot for many animals, especially birds. It's part of the Columbia National Wildlife Refuge. A wildlife refuge is a protected area where animals can live safely without being disturbed too much by people.
- Birds: Many different kinds of birds, including ducks, geese, and various wading birds, use Soda Lake as a place to rest, feed, and raise their young.
- Fish: The lake is also home to various fish species. This makes it a popular spot for fishing.
- Other Animals: You might also find other animals like deer, rabbits, and small mammals living near the lake.
Fun Facts About Soda Lake
- Because it's connected to the Potholes Reservoir, Soda Lake's water levels can change. This is often done to help farmers with their crops or to manage the environment for wildlife.
- The area around Soda Lake is great for outdoor activities. People enjoy fishing, bird watching, and simply enjoying nature.
- The name "Soda Lake" might make you think of fizzy drinks, but it actually refers to the type of minerals found in the water or surrounding soil, which can sometimes give lakes a "soda" or alkaline quality.
