Diablo Lake

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.

Diablo Lake
Location of Diablo Lake in Washington, USA.
Location of Diablo Lake in Washington, USA.
Diablo Lake
Location of Diablo Lake in Washington, USA.
Location of Diablo Lake in Washington, USA.
Diablo Lake
LocationRoss Lake National Recreation Area, Whatcom County, Washington, United States
Coordinates48°42′51″N 121°7′52″W
Typereservoir
Basin countriesUnited States
Surface elevation1,201 feet (366 m)

History

The Skagit Valley was formed through runoff from Cordilleran Glacier.[2] The unique, intense turquoise hue of the lake's water is attributed to the surrounding glaciers that grind rocks into a fine powder that is carried into the lake through creeks. That fine powder, also called glacial flour, stays suspended in the lake, giving the water its brilliant color.[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
    2010 Diablo Dam
  • Diablo Dam Skagit Power Project 1948
    Diablo Dam Skagit Power Project 1948
  • Northwest side view of dam
    Northwest side view of dam
  • 1931, one year after opening Diablo 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 7.2-mile hike reaching roughly 1,512 feet in elevation and is a moderate-level hike within the Ross Lake National Recreation Area.[5]

Fishing

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

See also

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. "Washington 100". wa100.dnr.wa.gov. Retrieved January 20, 2023.
  4. "Power Generation: Skagit Project-Diablo Dam".
  5. "Diablo Lake Trail".
  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.
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