User:Gjoe1973/Diablo Lake
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| Diablo Lake | |
|---|---|
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  Diablo Lake  Diablo Lake | |
| Location | Ross Lake National Recreation Area, Whatcom County, Washington, United States |
| Coordinates | 48°42′51″N 121°7′52″W / 48.71417°N 121.13111°W |
| Type | reservoir |
| Basin countries | United States |
| Surface elevation | 1,201 feet (366 m) |
Overview
[edit]Diablo Lake is located in Whatcom County Washington State, north of the Cascade Mountain range. It sits between Ross Lake and Gorge Lake along the Skagit River. The lake was first created due to the installation of the Diablo Dam in the mid-1900s. It is part of a hydroelectric project for the surrounding cities responsible for the electricity that the dam supplies. Diablo lake is home to many different wildlife species making fishing a major part of recreational activities. The lake also hosts many trails bringing in hikers as well.
History
[edit]Diablo Lake is a reservoir in the North Cascade mountains of northern Washington state, United States. Created by Diablo Dam, the lake is located between Ross Lake and Gorge Lake on the Skagit River at an elevation of 1,201 feet (366 m) above sea level.[1] Diablo Lake is part of the Skagit River Hydroelectric Project and managed by Seattle City Light.
Geological History
[edit]The Skagit Valley was formed due to the local alpine glaciers specifically the Ross and Diablo lakes area was developed as a result of runoff from Cordilleran Glacier.[2] The unique, intense turquoise hue of the lake's water is attributed to the surrounding glaciers that grind rocks into a fine powder that is carried into the lake through creeks. That fine powder, also called glacial flour, stays suspended in the lake, giving the water its brilliant color.[3]
Diablo Dam
[edit]Owned and operated by Seattle City Light and Power Company the Diablo Dam is a part of the Skagit River Hydroelectric Project. Responsible for supplying the surrounding areas with some of their power needs. Construction finished in 1930 and the Dam became operational in 1936.[4]
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2010 Diablo Dam -
Diablo Dam Skagit Power Project 1948 -
Northwest side view of dam -
1931, one year after opening Diablo Dam
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Recreation
[edit]Hiking:
[edit]
Diablo Lake Trail is the main hike surrounding the lake. It is a 7.2-mile hike reaching roughly 1,512 feet in elevation and is a moderate-level hike within the Ross Lake National Recreation Area. This trial has a combination of forest and lake scenery with kid and dog-friendly paths. Most recommend hiking the Diablo trail between April and September.[5]
Other Near by Hikes:
[edit]| Trail Head | Distance | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|
| Thunder Knob Trail[5] | 3.4mi | Medium |
| Thunder Creek Trail[5] | 10.3mi | Medium |
| Ross Dam Trail[5] | 1.4mi | Easy |
| Ladder Creek Falls[5] | 0.5mi | Easy |
Fishing:
[edit]The lake holds rainbow, coastal cutthroat, brook, and the federally threatened bull trout.[6] Make note that two-pole fishing is not allowed at Diablo Lake as a way to manage the fish population.[7]
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ U.S. Geological Survey Geographic Names Information System: Diablo Lake
- ^ "Cultural History — North Cascades Institute". ncascades.org. Retrieved 2023-01-19.
- ^ "Washington 100". wa100.dnr.wa.gov. Retrieved 2023-01-20.
- ^ "Power Generation: Skagit Project-Diablo Dam".
- ^ a b c d e "Diablo Lake Trail".
- ^ "Fishing in the North Cascades (U.S. National Park Service)". www.nps.gov. Retrieved 2023-01-20.
- ^ "Diablo Lake | Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife". wdfw.wa.gov. Retrieved 2023-01-19.
External links
[edit]
Media related to Gjoe1973/Diablo Lake at Wikimedia Commons- National Park Service website for Ross Lake National Recreation Area
- Seattle City Light, Diablo Lake Adventure
Category:Reservoirs in Washington (state)
Category:Lakes of Whatcom County, Washington
Category:North Cascades of Washington (state)
Category:Reservoirs and dams in National Park Service units
Category:Protected areas of Whatcom County, Washington