Diablo Lake

Diablo Lake
Diablo Lake Show map of Washington (state) Diablo Lake Show map of the United States
Location	Ross Lake National Recreation Area, Whatcom County, Washington, United States
Coordinates	48°42′51″N 121°7′52″W
Type	reservoir
Basin countries	United States
Surface elevation	1,201 feet (366 m)

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.

History

The Skagit Valley was formed via runoff from Cordilleran Glacier.[2] The turquoise hue of the lake's water is attributed to surrounding glaciers grinding rocks into glacial flour that stays suspended in the lake.[3]

Diablo Dam

Main article: Diablo Dam

The Diablo Dam is a part of the Skagit River Hydroelectric Project, which is owned and operated by Seattle City Light. Construction finished in 1930 and the dam became operational in 1936.[4]

• 
  2010 Diablo Dam
• 
  Diablo Dam Skagit Power Project 1948
• 
  Northwest side view of dam
• 
  1931, one year after opening Diablo Dam

Recreation

Birds eye view of the lake and the surrounding forest and mountains

Diablo Lake Trail is the main hike surrounding the lake. It is a moderately difficult 7.6 mile hike that reaches approximately 1,300 feet.[5]

Fishing

The lake holds rainbow, coastal cutthroat, brook, and bull trout.[6] Two-pole fishing is prohibited at Diablo Lake.[7]

See also

• List of dams and reservoirs in the United States § Washington

References

1. U.S. Geological Survey Geographic Names Information System: Diablo Lake
2. "Cultural History — North Cascades Institute". ncascades.org. Retrieved January 19, 2023.
3. "Diablo Lake Overlook (U.S. National Park Service)". www.nps.gov. Retrieved May 26, 2023.
4. "Power Generation: Skagit Project-Diablo Dam".
5. "Diablo Lake Trail (U.S. National Park Service)". www.nps.gov. Retrieved May 26, 2023.
6. "Fishing in the North Cascades". National Park Service. Retrieved January 20, 2023.
7. "Diablo Lake". Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife. Retrieved January 19, 2023.

External links

• Media related to Diablo Lake at Wikimedia Commons
• Ross Lake National Recreation Area
• Seattle City Light tours