Soldier Lakes (Nevada) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Soldier Lakes |
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The larger of the Soldier Lakes, and the Ruby Crest
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 Soldier Lakes
Location in Nevada
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| Location | Ruby Mountains |
| Coordinates | 40°44.1′N 115°16.4′W / 40.7350°N 115.2733°W |
| Type | Tarn |
| Etymology | Soldier Basin |
| Primary outflows | Soldier Creek Humboldt River |
| Basin countries | United States |
| Surface area | 6 acres (2.4 ha) |
| Max. depth | 14 feet (4.3 m) |
| Surface elevation | 9,100 feet (2,800 m) |
The Soldier Lakes are a group of beautiful lakes high up in the Ruby Mountains in Nevada. These lakes are special because they were formed by glaciers long, long ago! They are found in Elko County, which is in the northeastern part of Nevada.
Exploring Soldier Lakes
The Soldier Lakes are actually more than a dozen small lakes. They are known as "glacial tarns." This means they formed in hollows carved out by ancient glaciers. These lakes sit on a flat area called Soldier Basin.
They are located on the eastern side of the Ruby Mountains. However, the water from these lakes flows towards the west. This happens through a stream called Soldier Creek.
Size and Depth
The Soldier Lakes are quite high up, at an elevation of about 9,100 feet (2,800 m) above sea level. Imagine standing on top of a very tall mountain!
Together, all the lakes cover an area of about 6 acres (2.4 ha). That's roughly the size of six football fields! The deepest parts of these lakes can go down to about 14 feet (4.3 m).
Water's Journey
The Soldier Lakes are important because they are some of the first places where Soldier Creek begins. This creek starts on the eastern side of the Ruby Mountains. It then flows through a narrow valley called Soldier Canyon.
After leaving the mountains, Soldier Creek flows into Lamoille Valley. Finally, it joins a much larger river called the Humboldt River. This river is a major waterway in Nevada.
