Adams Lake

Infobox_lake
lake_name = Adams Lake
image_lake = Adams lake.jpg
caption_lake = from space (August 1989)
image_bathymetry =
caption_bathymetry =
location = British Columbia
coords = coord|51|15|N|119|30|W|region:CA_type:waterbody|display=inline,title
type =
inflow = Upper Adams River, Momich River, Bush Creek
outflow = Lower Adams River
catchment =
basin_countries = Canada
length = 63 km (39 mi)
width = 3.2 km (2 mi)
area =
depth =
max-depth =
volume =
residence_time =
shore =
elevation = 404 m (1,326 ft)
islands =
cities =

Adams Lake is a large, deep, coldwater lake. It is located at coord|51|15|N|119|30|W|region:CA_type:waterbody. The southern end of the lake is approximately 30 km (19 miles) north of the town Chase in the Shuswap Country region of British Columbia, Canada. The lake rests on the western side of the Monashee Mountains.

The lake is 63 km (39 mi) long and between 1.6 km and 3.2 km (1 to 2 miles) wide. The surface elevation is 404 meters (1,326 feet) above sea level. Water flows into the lake though many tributaries (including Upper Adams River, Momich River, and Bush Creek). The water drains from the lake into the Lower Adams River which is home to a very large and famous sockeye salmon run which attracts many visitors to the region each year. From there the water flows into Shuswap Lake, and down the Thompson River. The Thompson River is a major tributary of the Fraser River which enters the Pacific Ocean near Vancouver, British Columbia.

Though a few villages exist along Adams Lake, the vast majority of the lake is undeveloped. The lack of development is partially due to the nature of the shoreline, which is mostly sheer rock faces or steep, stony beaches. Few recreationally suitable beaches exist naturally on the lake. Some manmade sandy beaches have been constructed for public use. (see "Adams Lake Provincial Park")

Climate

*"Average Hours of Sunshine": 2,000+ per year
*"Average Rainfall": 304.7 mm (11 in) annually
*"Average Snowfall": 139.8 cm (55 in) in the valleys. Up to 644 cm (253.5 in) on the mountains
*"Frost Free Days": 120-175 days annually

Average maximum temperature (summer): 28.4 °C (84 °F) Average minimum temperature (winter): -8.8 °C (16 °F)

Forestry

Forestry forms the economic base for the region. Unpaved logging roads, which provide the only land access, run the full length of the lake. At the south end of the lake operates a saw mill. The logs for which are harvested further up the lake, deposited into the lake near the Momich River by a large crane. The logs are then floated down the lake to the mill in log booms drawn by tug boats. It is a common sight to see these log booms anchored in wait at lakeside.

Recreation

Adams Lake is used for recreation year round. Sport anglers commonly fish the lake for Rainbow Trout, Kokanee, Lake trout, and Dolly Varden. The Lake is also used for swimming, pleasure boating and water skiing. The area around the lake is popular with campers and is home to a large variety of flora and fauna. During autumn and winter people hunt for game birds and big game such as mule deer, black bear, and cougar (mountain lion).

History

Adams lake has been the site of at least two Secwepemc blockades, one in solidarity with the Kanesatake Mohawk in 1990, and the other in the summer of 1995, to prevent the development of a 60-unit Recreational Vehicle park on Secwepemc burial ground. [ [http://wiinimkiikaa.wordpress.com/secwepemc-history-of-resistance/ Secwepemc History of Resistance] ]

References

* [http://www.nasa.gov National Aeronautics and Space Administration]