Spray Lakes Reservoir facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Spray Lakes Reservoir |
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Spray Lake in winter
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 Spray Lakes Reservoir
Location in Alberta
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| Location | Kananaskis, Alberta |
| Coordinates | 50°54′42″N 115°20′22″W / 50.91167°N 115.33944°W |
| Type | Reservoir |
| Primary inflows | Spray River |
| Primary outflows | Spray River |
| Basin countries |  Canada |
| Built | 1950 |
| First flooded | 1950 |
| Max. length | 14.8 km (9.2 mi) |
| Max. width | 1.7 km (1.1 mi) |
| Surface area | 19.9 km2 (7.7 sq mi) |
| Average depth | 13.5 m (44 ft) |
| Max. depth | 65.4 m (215 ft) |
| Surface elevation | 1,701 m (5,581 ft) |
The Spray Lakes Reservoir is a large, human-made lake located in the beautiful Kananaskis area of Alberta, Canada. It's not a natural lake, but a reservoir, which means it was created by building a dam across a river. Before the dam, there were several smaller lakes along the Spray River. When the dam was built in 1950, these lakes joined together to form the big reservoir we see today.
This amazing reservoir sits high up in the mountains, about 1,701 meters (5,581 feet) above sea level. It's nestled between two impressive mountain ranges: the Goat Range and the famous Three Sisters peaks. A scenic road, Highway 742 (also known as Smith Dorrien Trail), runs along the northern part of the lake, offering stunning views.
Contents
How the Lake Gets and Gives Water
The Spray Lakes Reservoir is fed by several streams and the main Spray River. These waterways bring fresh mountain water into the reservoir.
Water Sources
Here are the main streams that flow into the lake:
- Bryant Creek
- Turbulent Creek
- Currie Creek
- Watridge Creek
- Spray River
- Smuts Creek
- Spurling Creek
Water Flow and Hydroelectric Power
Water leaves the reservoir through Goat Creek, which flows into the Bow River near the town of Banff. The Bow River is about 25 kilometers (15.5 miles) northwest of the reservoir.
A portion of the water from Spray Lakes Reservoir is also used to create hydroelectric power. This means the water is directed through special canals and tunnels to spin turbines, which then generate electricity. This power helps light up homes and businesses in nearby towns like Canmore.
Parks and Recreation
The Spray Lakes Reservoir is a popular spot for outdoor activities. It's located within Kananaskis Country, a large recreational area in Alberta. The reservoir also forms the eastern edge of Spray Valley Provincial Park.
Recreational Areas Around the Lake
Many smaller recreational areas are set up along both sides of the lake, perfect for visitors. These include:
- Spray Lakes West Provincial Recreation Area
- Sparrowhawk Provincial Recreation Area
- Buller Mountain Provincial Recreation Area
- Mount Shark Trailhead Provincial Recreation Area
You can find hiking trails along the western shore of the lake. There are also picnic spots and campgrounds on both sides, making it a great place to spend time outdoors with family and friends.
