West Smoky Dome Lake facts for kids
Quick facts for kids West Somky Dome Lake |
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 West Somky Dome Lake
Location in Idaho
West Somky Dome Lake
Location in the United States
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| Location | Camas County, Idaho |
| Coordinates | 43°30′34″N 114°57′28″W / 43.509335°N 114.957672°W |
| Type | Glacial |
| Primary outflows | Boardman Creek to South Fork Boise River |
| Basin countries | United States |
| Max. length | 52 m (171 ft) |
| Max. width | 46 m (151 ft) |
| Surface elevation | 2,675 m (8,776 ft) |
West Smoky Dome Lake is a beautiful lake high up in the mountains of Idaho, United States. It's a special kind of lake called an "alpine lake" because it's found in a mountain area. This lake is also a "glacial lake," meaning it was formed by ancient glaciers. You can find it in Camas County, Idaho, within the amazing Sawtooth National Forest.
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Discovering West Smoky Dome Lake
West Smoky Dome Lake is a hidden gem in the Soldier Mountains. These mountains are part of the larger Sawtooth National Forest. The lake is quite remote, meaning it's not easy to get to. There are no marked trails that lead directly to its shores.
Where is West Smoky Dome Lake?
This lake is located in Camas County, which is in the central part of Idaho. It sits high up in the mountains, about 2,675 meters (around 8,776 feet) above sea level. Imagine being that high up!
The lake is found in an area known as the Smoky Dome Lakes basin. This basin is northeast of a very important peak called Smoky Dome. Smoky Dome is actually the highest mountain in the entire Soldier Mountains range.
How Was This Lake Formed?
West Smoky Dome Lake is a "glacial lake." This means it was created by huge sheets of ice called glaciers. Thousands of years ago, these glaciers moved slowly across the land. As they moved, they carved out valleys and scooped out depressions in the ground.
When the climate warmed, the glaciers melted. The water from the melting ice filled these depressions, forming lakes like West Smoky Dome Lake. This process left behind a unique landscape.
What Makes It Special?
Being an "alpine lake" means it's in a high mountain environment. These lakes often have very clear, cold water. They are usually surrounded by rugged peaks and beautiful, untouched nature.
The lake is relatively small. It is about 52 meters (171 feet) long and 46 meters (151 feet) wide. Even though it's small, it plays an important role in its local ecosystem. Water flows out of the lake into a stream called Boardman Creek. This creek eventually joins the South Fork of the Boise River.
