Emigrant Lake (Oregon) Explained

Emigrant Lake
Coords:42.1614°N -122.6042°W
Inflow:Emigrant Creek
Outflow:Emigrant Creek
Basin Countries:United States
Area:806acres
Volume:40530acre.ft
Elevation:2241feet
Pushpin Map:Oregon#USA
Pushpin Label Position:top
Pushpin Map Alt:Location of Emigrant Lake in Oregon, USA.

Emigrant Lake is a reservoir located 5miles southeast of Ashland, Oregon, at the southern end of the Rogue Valley.[1] It has an elevation of 2241feet above sea level.[2] The lake has an average surface area of 806acres, and an average volume of 40530acre.ft.[3] The lake is impounded by Emigrant Lake Dam, which stands 205feet above the surrounding farmland, and is located on Emigrant Creek at the west side of the lake. The spillway is at the northern tip of the lake. Emigrant Creek is a tributary of Bear Creek.

History

The reservoir was created in 1924 when the original 110feet concrete arch dam was built by the Talent Irrigation District for irrigation and flood control.[4] In 1960, the United States Bureau of Reclamation enlarged the dam into the 204feet rock-filled structure standing today.[5]

Recreation area

Emigrant Lake features a large recreation area. This includes a 42-site, full-hookup campground,[6] picnic areas, and two 280feet water slides open from Memorial Day to Labor Day.[7] As of 2022, the slides are no longer operating due to the cost of repairs.[8]

Drought conditions and archaeological study

In October 2014, drought conditions prompted the Bureau of Reclamation to order an archaeological study to protect artifacts that have become exposed due to the lake being at less than 10 percent of capacity.[9] During the 2020–21 North American drought, the lake reached 3% capacity.[10]

See also

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Wildernet.com - Emigrant Lake, Oregon . Wildernet.com . February 2, 2008.
  2. Web site: Emigrant Lake, Oregon . Southern Oregon.com . February 2, 2008.
  3. Book: William . Loy . Stuart . Allan . Aileen . Buckley . James . Meacham . Atlas of Oregon . . 2001 . 2nd . 171 . 978-0-87114-101-9.
  4. Web site: Rogue River Basin Project, Talent Division - Oregon . . February 2, 2008 . https://web.archive.org/web/20071219184718/http://www.usbr.gov/dataweb/html/rogueriver.html . December 19, 2007 . dead .
  5. Web site: Emigrant Dam . . February 2, 2008 . https://web.archive.org/web/20071219184846/http://www.usbr.gov/dataweb/dams/or00581.htm . December 19, 2007 . dead .
  6. Web site: Emigrant Lake Recreation Area . Jackson County Parks . February 2, 2008.
  7. Web site: Emigrant Lake Water Slide . Guide to Oregon.com . February 2, 2008.
  8. News: Vickie Aldous . County permanently closes Emigrant Lake water slide . 29 May 2023 . Mail Tribune . Mar 2, 2022.
  9. News: Freeman. Mark . Items found in Emigrant Lake prompt archaeological study. 14 October 2014. Mail Tribune. 8 October 2014. https://web.archive.org/web/20141015235944/http://www.mailtribune.com/article/20141008/News/141009685 . 15 October 2014. live.
  10. Web site: Mills . Mariah . Lakes on south end of Jackson Co. continue to experience historically low water levels . KOBI-TV NBC5 / KOTI-TV NBC2 . https://web.archive.org/web/20210825020547/https://kobi5.com/news/local-news/lakes-on-south-end-of-jackson-co-continue-to-experience-historically-low-levels-165509/ . 25 August 2021 . 25 August 2021 . live.

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