Howard Prairie Lake

Howard Prairie Lake is a reservoir located 4,526 feet (1,380 m) above sea level in Jackson County, Oregon, United States. It is 18 miles (29 km) east of Ashland. The lake is formed by the 100-foot (30 m) tall Howard Prairie Dam, which impounds Beaver Creek, in the Klamath River watershed.[1]

Howard Prairie Lake
Howard Prairie Lake from its southern shore
Howard Prairie Lake
Howard Prairie Lake
LocationJackson County, Southern Oregon, United States
Coordinates42°12′59″N 122°22′35″W
TypeReservoir
Primary inflowsWater diverted from Little Butte Creek
Primary outflowsBeaver Creek
Catchment area79 square miles (205 km2)
Basin countriesUnited States
Surface area1,990 acres (8 km2)
Average depth35 feet (11 m)
Max. depth80 feet (24 m)
Water volume62,100 acre feet (76,599,200 m3)
Surface elevation4,526 feet (1,380 m)
IslandsBuck, Doe, and Fawn

History

The reservoir was created in 1958 when the 100-foot (30 m) tall earthfill 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]

Statistics

Howard Prairie Lake has an average surface area of 1,990 acres (8 km2), and an average volume of 62,100 acre feet (76,599,200 m3). It has a maximum depth of 80 feet (24 m), and an average depth of 35 feet (11 m).[3] The lake has a 79-square-mile (205 km2) drainage basin.[4]

Flora and fauna

Howard Prairie Lake is known for its large number of rainbow trout, largemouth bass, and smallmouth bass.[5] Ducks and geese inhabit the surrounding regions. The lake is surrounded by pine and fir forests in the Cascade Mountains.[1]

Recreation

Boating, water skiing, fishing, and camping at the three public campgrounds are popular activities at the lake.[1][6] 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.[5]

See also
  • List of lakes in Oregon

References
  1. "Rogue River Basin Project". United States Bureau of Reclamation. May 16, 2011. Archived from the original on November 12, 2011. Retrieved June 27, 2011.
  2. "Howard Prairie Dam – General". United States Bureau of Reclamation. April 30, 2009. Retrieved June 27, 2011.
  3. Loy, William; Allan, Stuart; Buckley, Aileen; Meacham, James (2001). Atlas of Oregon (2nd ed.). University of Oregon Press. p. 167. ISBN 978-0-87114-101-9. Retrieved on April 8, 2009.
  4. "Rogue River Basin Project – Project Data". United States Bureau of Reclamation. May 16, 2011. Retrieved June 27, 2011.
  5. "Howard Prairie Lake Resort". Howard Prairie Lake Resort. Retrieved March 31, 2009.
  6. "Recreation". Howard Prairie Lake Resort. Retrieved April 12, 2009.

Official Howard Prairie Resort Website

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