If you’re looking for a unique and stunning destination in the southwestern United States, look no further than Lake Havasu.
This manmade reservoir, situated on the border of Arizona and California, was constructed in the 1930s and attracts over 750,000 visitors each year.
Named after the Mojave word for blue, Lake Havasu is a desert oasis that offers a range of recreational activities, from boating and fishing to hiking and camping.
In this article, we’ll explore some fascinating facts about this beautiful location, including its depth and other key features.
How Deep Is Lake Havasu?
Lake Havasu is a large reservoir that stretches over 26 miles long and measures 2.85 miles across at its widest point.
The entire capacity of the lake is 619,400 acre-feet or nearly 764,000,000 square meters. The average depth of the lake is around 35 feet, but it can get deeper in some spots.
The deepest recorded portion of Lake Havasu is around 90 feet, which is shallower than other lakes in the country but significantly larger than a pond.
Lake Havasu was formed when the concrete arch Parker Dam was built across the Colorado River.
The lake has become a popular recreational area since it has been around.
If you’re interested in exploring the depths of Lake Havasu, there are various water activities available, including scuba diving, snorkeling, and fishing.
Where to Find Lake Havasu on a Map
Lake Havasu is located on the far eastern border of California, on the border between San Bernadino County, California, and Mohave County, Arizona.
The eastern shores of the lake are home to Lake Havasu City, which is fully located within the border of Arizona.
Across the water from Lake Havasu City lies the smaller town of Havasu Lake, which is part of California.
To locate Lake Havasu on a map, you can find it due south of the southern point of Nevada.
How Did Lake Havasu Form?
Lake Havasu was formed as a result of the construction of the Parker Dam across the Colorado River.
The lake serves as a reservoir to store water for two aqueducts, the Central Arizona Project Aqueduct, and the Colorado River Aqueduct.
The water is sent down along the two aqueducts as needed through multiple pumping plants.
Before the creation of the lake, the Mojave people lived in the area, and the Mojave word for blue, Havasu, was given to the lake in 1939.
The region around the river was frequented by Mojave people and Spaniards hoping to mine the area before the construction of the dam.
The concrete arch Parker Dam was built across the Colorado River to create the lake.
The damming of the river created a body of water with a surface area of 19,300 acres and a maximum depth of 122 feet.
Today, Lake Havasu is a popular tourist destination for boating, fishing, and swimming.
What Is Lake Havasu Known for?
Lake Havasu is known for its excellent fishing opportunities and the famous London Bridge.
The lake is a popular destination for fishing enthusiasts, with over 750,000 people participating in various fishing tournaments every year.
The primary catch is bass, and the lake is stocked with a variety of fish species, including largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, striped bass, carp, channel catfish, flathead catfish, crappie, razorback sucker, red-ear sunfish, and sunfish.
Apart from fishing, Lake Havasu City is home to the original London Bridge that once spanned the Thames River in London, England.
The bridge was moved to the city in the 1960s and now connects an island in the Colorado River with Lake Havasu City.
The bridge is a popular tourist attraction and a symbol of the city’s unique history. Visitors can walk across the bridge and enjoy stunning views of the lake and surrounding area.
Animals Around Lake Havasu
If you venture away from the tourist areas surrounding Lake Havasu, you may be able to spot a variety of wildlife, including some iconic desert animals like coyotes, foxes, and roadrunners.
Additionally, the greater Havasu region is home to some unique animals, such as the bighorn sheep, peregrine falcon, and the rare Southwestern willow flycatcher.
Birdwatchers in Havasu are particularly excited by the Southwestern willow flycatcher. This bird is a rare sight, making it a special treat for those who are lucky enough to spot it.
Here is a summary of the animals you may encounter around Lake Havasu:
Animal | Description |
---|---|
Coyote | A medium-sized canine with a grayish-brown coat and a bushy tail. They are known for their howling calls. |
Fox | A small to medium-sized canine with a bushy tail and pointy ears. The most common species in the area is the gray fox. |
Roadrunner | A bird with a distinctive appearance, including a long tail and a crest of feathers on its head. They are known for their quick running speed. |
Bighorn Sheep | A large mammal with curved horns that are used for fighting. They are well-adapted to living in rocky, mountainous terrain. |
Peregrine Falcon | A bird of prey with a distinctive black hood on its head. They are known for their incredible speed and agility. |
Southwestern Willow Flycatcher | A small bird with olive-green feathers and a distinctive eye-ring. They are an endangered species and are rarely seen. |
Overall, Lake Havasu and its surrounding areas are home to a diverse range of wildlife, making it a great destination for nature lovers.