Topaz Lake facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Topaz Lake |
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from the Nevada side
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 Topaz Lake
Location in Nevada
Topaz Lake
Location in California
Topaz Lake
Location in the United States
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| Location | Douglas County, Nevada / Mono County, California |
| Coordinates | 38°41′N 119°32′W / 38.68°N 119.54°W |
| Type | reservoir |
| Primary inflows | West Walker River |
| Primary outflows | West Walker River |
| Basin countries | United States |
| Max. length | 3.5 mi (5.6 km) |
| Max. width | 1.5 mi (2.4 km) |
| Surface area | 2,410 acres (980 ha) |
| Average depth | 52.3 ft (15.9 m) |
| Max. depth | 92 ft (28 m) |
| Water volume | 126,000 acre⋅ft (0.155 km3) |
Topaz Lake is a large man-made lake, also called a reservoir. It is located right on the border between California and Nevada. This beautiful lake is about 75 miles (121 km) south of the city of Reno. A small community named Topaz Lake, Nevada is found along its northwest side.
Contents
How Topaz Lake Was Made
Topaz Lake was created by changing the path of the West Walker River. The river's water was directed into a natural basin. This basin used to hold a smaller, natural lake.
Early History of the Area
The area around Topaz Lake has a long history. In 1827, an American explorer named Jedediah Smith traveled through this region. He was the first non-native person to cross the Sierra Nevada mountains. Smith passed by the natural lake that was once here.
Building the Dam
The first dam was built in 1922. This created a reservoir that could hold 45,000 acre-feet (56,000,000 m3) of water. Later, in 1937, a new levee was added. This made the lake much bigger, increasing its capacity to 126,000 acre-feet (155,000,000 m3).
Topaz Lake is quite large. It covers an area of about 2,410 acres (980 ha). It is about 3.5 miles (5.6 km) long and 1.5 miles (2.4 km) wide. The deepest part of the lake is about 92 feet (28 m) deep. The Walker River Irrigation District owns and manages the lake and its levee.
Fun Activities at Topaz Lake
Topaz Lake is a very popular spot for outdoor fun. Many people come here to enjoy boating, water-skiing, and camping. It is also a favorite place for fishing.
Fishing at the Lake
The fishing season at Topaz Lake runs from January 1 to September 30 each year. The lake is regularly stocked with trout. This means that the Nevada Department of Wildlife and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife add young fish to the lake. This helps keep the fish population healthy for anglers.
Getting There and Nearby Places
It is easy to reach Topaz Lake by car. U.S. Route 395 passes right by the lake. On the northwest side of the lake, you will find the Topaz Lodge. There is also a residential area and a volunteer fire station nearby.
Roads Around the Lake
U.S. Route 395 runs along the west side of the lake, right at the state line. About 3 miles (4.8 km) south of the state line, you can find the end of California State Route 89. Also, about 2 miles (3.2 km) north of the state line, you will find the start of Nevada State Route 208.
See also
In Spanish: Topaz Lake (Nevada) para niños
