Coeur d’Alene Lake: How Big Is It?
Coeur d’Alene Lake, nestled in the Idaho Panhandle, is a captivating body of water renowned for its breathtaking beauty and recreational opportunities. In terms of size, Coeur d’Alene Lake boasts a surface area of 31,400 acres, or approximately 50 square miles, making it the second largest lake in northern Idaho and one of the largest in the state.
Understanding Coeur d’Alene Lake’s Dimensions
While the surface area provides a good overview, grasping the full scope of Coeur d’Alene Lake requires considering its depth, shoreline, and overall volume. These factors contribute to the lake’s diverse ecosystem and recreational potential.
Depth and Volume
Coeur d’Alene Lake is renowned for its impressive depth, reaching a maximum of 300 feet. The average depth is around 120 feet. This considerable depth contributes to a substantial volume of 2.778 billion cubic meters or 2,253,000 acre-feet of water. This large volume helps moderate temperature fluctuations and supports a diverse aquatic ecosystem.
Shoreline Length
The lake’s intricate shoreline, characterized by numerous bays, inlets, and peninsulas, stretches an impressive 109 miles. This extensive shoreline provides abundant habitat for wildlife, offering nesting sites for birds and spawning grounds for fish. It also offers diverse opportunities for recreation, from hiking and camping to boating and fishing.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Coeur d’Alene Lake
Here are some commonly asked questions that delve deeper into the specifics of Coeur d’Alene Lake, clarifying its size and related attributes.
FAQ 1: How does Coeur d’Alene Lake compare to other lakes in Idaho?
Coeur d’Alene Lake is significant but not the largest in Idaho. Lake Pend Oreille is the largest, covering approximately 148 square miles compared to Coeur d’Alene’s 50. However, Coeur d’Alene Lake is the second largest lake in Northern Idaho and remains a major recreational hub due to its accessibility and stunning beauty.
FAQ 2: What rivers feed into and out of Coeur d’Alene Lake?
The Coeur d’Alene River is the primary inflow, contributing significantly to the lake’s water volume. Several smaller creeks and streams also feed the lake. The Spokane River is the outflow, draining water from the lake westward towards the city of Spokane, Washington.
FAQ 3: What is the impact of the lake’s size on local weather patterns?
Coeur d’Alene Lake significantly moderates the local climate. Its large water mass absorbs and releases heat more slowly than the surrounding land, leading to milder winters and cooler summers compared to areas further away from the lake. This moderating effect also extends the growing season for local agriculture.
FAQ 4: What is the water quality of Coeur d’Alene Lake, and how does its size impact it?
Historically, Coeur d’Alene Lake has been impacted by mining activities in the Coeur d’Alene River basin. Heavy metal contamination, particularly lead, zinc, and cadmium, poses a significant challenge. The lake’s size plays a crucial role in diluting these contaminants; however, they still persist in sediments and can be mobilized under certain conditions. Ongoing cleanup efforts are vital to improving water quality.
FAQ 5: How many boat launches are available on Coeur d’Alene Lake?
There are numerous public and private boat launches around Coeur d’Alene Lake, providing ample access for boaters. The precise number varies depending on the source, but estimates typically range from over 20 public boat launches, plus many more at resorts and private marinas. This accessibility contributes to the lake’s popularity for boating and water sports.
FAQ 6: What types of fish inhabit Coeur d’Alene Lake, and does its size affect fish populations?
Coeur d’Alene Lake supports a diverse fish population, including kokanee salmon, lake trout, northern pike, largemouth bass, and smallmouth bass. The lake’s size and depth provide varied habitats, supporting different fish species. Larger lake size enables larger fish populations and genetic diversity.
FAQ 7: What are the major towns and cities located on the shores of Coeur d’Alene Lake?
The city of Coeur d’Alene is the largest and most prominent city located on the lake’s northern shore. Other towns include Harrison, located on the lake’s southern end, and Worley, slightly inland but providing easy access to the lake.
FAQ 8: How deep can boats navigate in Coeur d’Alene Lake, and are there any navigational hazards?
While Coeur d’Alene Lake is generally deep and navigable for most recreational boats, it’s crucial to be aware of shallow areas, submerged obstacles (like logs), and changing water levels. Charts and navigation systems are highly recommended, especially when venturing into unfamiliar areas. Larger vessels need to adhere to specific depth requirements and navigation channels.
FAQ 9: What is the average water temperature of Coeur d’Alene Lake during the summer months?
The average surface water temperature during the summer months (July and August) typically ranges from 65 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit (18 to 24 degrees Celsius). This temperature is generally considered comfortable for swimming and other water activities.
FAQ 10: How does the size of Coeur d’Alene Lake impact tourism in the region?
The lake’s size is a major draw for tourists, offering ample opportunities for boating, fishing, swimming, hiking, and other outdoor activities. The scenic beauty of the lake and its surrounding landscape contribute significantly to the region’s tourism economy. The larger size helps accommodate numerous visitors at once, spreading the impact.
FAQ 11: Are there any efforts to monitor or manage the water levels of Coeur d’Alene Lake?
Yes, the water levels of Coeur d’Alene Lake are actively monitored and managed. The Avista Corporation, which operates the Post Falls Dam on the Spokane River, plays a key role in regulating the lake’s water levels to balance power generation, flood control, and recreational needs. There are established operating ranges to maintain a healthy ecosystem.
FAQ 12: What geological processes formed Coeur d’Alene Lake, and how does its size relate to its origin?
Coeur d’Alene Lake was primarily formed by glacial activity during the last ice age. The retreating glaciers carved out the lake basin, and subsequent melting filled it with water. The size of the lake is directly related to the extent of the glacial erosion and the topography of the surrounding terrain. The massive ice sheets sculpted the landscape, creating the large depression that now holds the lake.