Whonnock Lake facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Whonnock Lake |
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Location | Maple Ridge, British Columbia, Canada |
Coordinates | 49°12′46″N 122°26′53″W / 49.21278°N 122.44806°W |
Type | natural muskeg lake |
Whonnock Lake is a beautiful natural lake located in Maple Ridge, British Columbia, Canada. It's about 40 kilometers (25 miles) east of Vancouver. This special lake is known as a muskeg lake. If it were left completely untouched, it would slowly change into a type of wetland called a peat marsh.
Discover Whonnock Lake
Whonnock Lake is an important natural spot in the eastern part of Maple Ridge. It's found in the upland area of Whonnock, just south of the Dewdney Trunk Road. The lake is a popular place for local residents and visitors to enjoy nature.
What is a Muskeg Lake?
A muskeg lake is a type of lake that forms in a muskeg area. Muskeg is a kind of bog or wetland. It has lots of peat, which is partly decayed plant material. These lakes often have dark, tea-colored water because of the plants.
- Peat Marsh: A peat marsh is a wetland where peat builds up over time. It's like a spongy, wet ground made of old plants.
How the Lake's Water Works
Whonnock Lake gets most of its water from the north side. This is where fresh water flows into the lake. The water also has a way to leave the lake.
- Water Exit: On the southeast side, water flows out into Whonnock Creek.
- Past and Present Water Control: Long ago, beavers helped control the lake's water level. They built dams that kept the water in. In 2008, a man-made barrier called a berm and a special fish channel were built. Now, the city of Maple Ridge manages the lake's water level. This helps keep the lake healthy for everyone.