Yale Lake facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Yale Lake |
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Yale Lake with Mount St. Helens in distance
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 Yale Lake
Location in Washington (state)
Yale Lake
Location in the United States
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| Location | Clark / Cowlitz counties, Washington, United States |
| Coordinates | 45°57′51″N 122°19′57″W / 45.96417°N 122.33250°W |
| Type | reservoir |
| Primary inflows | Lewis River |
| Primary outflows | Lewis River |
| Catchment area | 600 square miles (1,550 km2) |
| Basin countries | United States |
| Surface area | 3,780 acres (15.3 km2) |
| Water volume | 401,760 acre-feet (0.496 km3) |
| Surface elevation | 486 ft (148 m) |
Yale Lake is a large, human-made lake in the state of Washington, United States. It covers about 3,780 acres, which is like having over 2,800 football fields! This lake was created on the Lewis River and sits right on the edge of Clark County and Cowlitz County. It's a popular spot for outdoor fun and also helps make electricity.
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What is Yale Lake?
Yale Lake is a special type of lake called a reservoir. A reservoir is a big lake that people build by putting a dam across a river. They do this for many reasons, like storing water for drinking, controlling floods, or making electricity. Yale Lake was formed in 1953 when the Yale Dam was built across the Lewis River.
How Yale Lake Was Created
The story of Yale Lake began with the building of the Yale Dam. This huge dam was finished in 1953. When the dam was completed, it held back the water from the Lewis River. Over time, the river water filled up the valley behind the dam, creating the large lake we now call Yale Lake. This process changed the landscape and created a new habitat for plants and animals.
The Lewis River's Role
The Lewis River is very important to Yale Lake. It's the main river that flows into the lake, bringing fresh water from the surrounding mountains and forests. The river also flows out of the lake, continuing its journey towards the Pacific Ocean. The Lewis River is known for its beautiful scenery and is home to various fish species.
Fun Things to Do at Yale Lake
Yale Lake is a great place for people who love the outdoors. There are many activities you can enjoy here, especially during the warmer months.
Boating and Water Sports
With its large size, Yale Lake is perfect for boating. You can go motorboating, kayaking, or canoeing. Many people also enjoy waterskiing or wakeboarding on the lake's calm waters. There are boat launches available around the lake, making it easy to get your boat into the water.
Fishing Adventures
If you enjoy fishing, Yale Lake offers a good chance to catch some fish. The lake is home to different types of fish, including trout and bass. Whether you like fishing from a boat or from the shore, you'll find plenty of spots to cast your line. Remember to check local fishing rules and get a fishing license before you go.
Camping and Hiking Nearby
Around Yale Lake, you can find places to camp and trails for hiking. Camping lets you stay close to nature and enjoy the peaceful surroundings. Hiking trails offer amazing views of the lake and the nearby forests. You might even spot some wildlife while exploring the area. The famous Mount St. Helens is also visible from Yale Lake, adding to the beautiful scenery.
Protecting Yale Lake
Just like any natural area, it's important to protect Yale Lake and its surroundings. This means being careful with trash, respecting wildlife, and following all rules. By taking care of the lake, we can make sure it stays a beautiful and fun place for everyone to enjoy for many years to come.
