| Howard Prairie Lake | |
| Location: | Jackson County, Southern Oregon, United States |
| Coords: | 42.2164°N -122.3764°W |
| Type: | Reservoir |
| Outflow: | Beaver Creek |
| Catchment: | 79sqmi |
| Basin Countries: | United States |
| Area: | 1990acres |
| Depth: | 35feet |
| Max-Depth: | 80feet |
| Volume: | 62100acre.ft |
| Elevation: | 4526feet |
| Islands: | Buck, Doe, and Fawn |
| Pushpin Map: | Oregon#USA |
| Pushpin Label Position: | top |
| Pushpin Map Alt: | Location of Howard Prairie Lake in Oregon, USA. |
Howard Prairie Lake is a reservoir located 4526feet above sea level in Jackson County, Oregon, United States. It is 18miles east of Ashland. The lake is formed by the 100feet tall Howard Prairie Dam, which impounds Beaver Creek, in the Klamath River watershed.[1]
The reservoir was created in 1958 when the 100feet tall earth fill dam was completed by the Talent Division of the Rogue River Basin Project.[1] [2] A canal diverting water from nearby Little Butte Creek, (in the Rogue River watershed), to the lake was also completed.[1]
Howard Prairie Lake has an average surface area of 1990acres, and an average volume of 62100acre.ft. It has a maximum depth of 80feet, and an average depth of 35feet.[3] The lake has a 79adj=onNaNadj=on drainage basin.[4]
During the 2020–21 North American drought, the lake reached 4% capacity.[5]
Howard Prairie Lake is known for its large number of rainbow trout, largemouth bass, and smallmouth bass.[6] Ducks and geese inhabit the surrounding regions. The lake is surrounded by pine and fir forests in the Cascade Mountains.[1]
Boating, water skiing, fishing, and camping at the three public campgrounds are popular activities at the lake.[1] [7] Hiking and biking are also popular on trails around the lake. The Howard Prairie Lake Resort is located on the northern shore of the lake and features a large marina, boat ramp, restaurant, campground, and convenience store.[6]
Official Howard Prairie Resort Websitehttp://jacksoncountyor.org/parks/Camping/HowardPrairieResort