Spotted Lake facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Spotted Lake |
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| Kłlil’xᵂ | |
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 Spotted Lake
Location in British Columbia
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| Location | Northwest of Osoyoos, British Columbia |
| Coordinates | 49°04′41″N 119°34′01″W / 49.07806°N 119.56694°W |
| Type | Saline, alkali, endorheic basin |
| Primary outflows | Terminal (evaporation) |
| Basin countries | Canada |
| Max. length | 0.7 km (0.43 mi) |
| Max. width | 0.25 km (0.16 mi) |
| Shore length1 | 1.7 km (1.1 mi) |
| Surface elevation | 573 m (1,880 ft) |
| 1 Shore length is not a well-defined measure. | |
Spotted Lake is a unique lake in British Columbia, Canada. It's found northwest of Osoyoos in the eastern Similkameen Valley, right off Highway 3. This lake is special because it's a saltwater lake, also known as a soda lake, which means it has a lot of minerals and is very alkaline. It's also an endorheic lake, meaning water flows into it but doesn't flow out to rivers or oceans; it only leaves by evaporating.
Contents
What Makes Spotted Lake Unique?
Spotted Lake has many different minerals in its water. It has a lot of magnesium sulfate, calcium, and sodium sulphates. It also has high amounts of eight other minerals. You can even find small amounts of silver and titanium here.
How the Spots Appear
During the summer, most of the water in the lake dries up. This reveals colorful mineral deposits. Large "spots" appear on the lake's surface. Their color depends on the types of minerals and how much rain has fallen.
Magnesium sulfate is a big reason for the spot colors. It turns into crystals in the summer heat. The remaining minerals in the lake become hard. They form natural "walkways" that you can see around and between the spots.
History and Naming of the Lake
The First Nations people of the Okanagan Valley have known this lake for a very long time. They called it Kliluk. For centuries, and even today, they see Spotted Lake as a sacred place. They believe its waters have healing powers, like therapeutic waters.
The Lake During World War I
During World War I, the minerals from Spotted Lake were used. They helped make ammunition for the war.
Protecting the Lake
Later, the Ernest Smith Family owned the land around the lake for about 40 years. In 1979, Mr. Smith wanted to build a spa at the lake. But the First Nations people wanted to buy the lake to protect it.
In October 2001, they made a deal. They bought 22 hectares (about 54 acres) of land for $720,000. The First Nations paid about 20% of the cost. The Indian Affairs Department paid the rest.
Spotted Lake Today
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Today, there is a sign by the road for visitors. It explains that the lake is a special cultural and natural area. It is also a traditional medicine lake for the Okanagan Syilx people.
You can view the lake from a fence that has been put up. This fence helps protect the lake and keeps people safe. Many travelers stop to see this amazing natural wonder.
