West Thompson Lake facts for kids
Quick facts for kids West Thompson Lake |
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 West Thompson Lake
Location in Connecticut
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| Location | Thompson, Connecticut |
| Coordinates | 41°57′15″N 71°54′13″W / 41.9542905°N 71.9036151°W |
| Type | Reservoir |
| River sources | Quinebaug River |
| Built | 1965 |
| Max. length | 1.35 miles (2.17 km) |
| Max. width | 1,360 feet (410 m) |
| Surface area | 195 acres (79 ha) permanent pool; 1,250 acres (510 ha) at full capacity |
| Average depth | 21.4 feet (6.5 m) |
| Max. depth | 50.5 feet (15.4 m) |
| Residence time | 4.6 days |
| Surface elevation | 305 feet (93 m) |
West Thompson Lake is a cool 200-acre lake located in Thompson, Connecticut, which is in Windham County, Connecticut. It's not a natural lake, but a special kind of lake called a reservoir.
A reservoir is like a big, human-made lake. West Thompson Lake was created in 1965 by building a dam across the Quinebaug River. This dam was built by the United States Army Corps of Engineers.
The main reason for building this lake was to help control floods. It holds back water from the Quinebaug River, especially when there's a lot of rain or snowmelt. This helps protect towns and cities downstream from flooding.
The dam at West Thompson Lake is one of six important structures on the Quinebaug River. Together, these dams work like a team to manage water flow. They help control floods all the way from the small streams that feed the Thames River to the Long Island Sound.
The West Thompson Dam was a big project. It was finished in 1965 and cost about 6.7 million U.S. dollars at that time. The lake can hold a huge amount of flood water, up to 342 million gallons!
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Nature and Wildlife at the Lake
West Thompson Lake is surrounded by a large area of land that is full of amazing natural resources. This includes different types of habitats, beautiful landscapes, many kinds of plants, and lots of wildlife.
Park Rangers manage the 1,857 acres of land around the lake. This helps keep the area healthy and safe for both nature and people.
Forests and Plant Life
A big part of the land around the lake, about 1,125 acres, is covered by forests. These forests are home to many different trees, including:
- Eastern white pine
- Oak trees
- Shagbark hickory trees
- Birch trees
- Maple trees
These trees provide homes and food for many animals. They also help keep the air clean and the soil healthy.
Animals and Habitats
Because of the diverse plant life and different habitats, West Thompson Lake is a great place for many animals. You might see various birds, mammals, and other creatures living in the forests and near the water. The managed land helps protect these animals and their homes.
Fun Things to Do at West Thompson Lake
West Thompson Lake is a popular spot for outdoor activities. There are many ways to enjoy nature and have fun here.
Outdoor Activities
You can enjoy several activities at the lake, such as:
- Fishing: The lake is a good place to cast a line and try to catch some fish.
- Boating: You can go boating on the lake, which is a fun way to explore the water.
- Hunting: In certain areas and seasons, hunting is allowed.
- Hiking: There are trails around the lake where you can go for a walk and enjoy the scenery.
- Disc Golf: The park even has an 18-hole disc golf course, which is like regular golf but you throw a frisbee!
- Camping: If you want to stay longer, camping is also available, letting you spend more time enjoying the outdoors.
These activities make West Thompson Lake a great place for families and friends to visit and connect with nature.
