Caddo Lake Facts
- First of all, it must be mentioned that the marvelous Caddo Lake immediately sets itself apart from other the majority of lakes. In fact, it represents a very special type of lake. That’s because the magnificent geological feature actually combines a moderately large lake with a bayou.
- Furthermore, the beautiful location also has a rather distinctive name, originating with the Native American tribe native to the area. The Caddo lived around the lake, depending upon it for much of their livelihood. The tribe lived there until their expulsion from the region in the 19th century.
- Not only is this gorgeous site a source of great natural beauty, but Caddo Lake also plays a role of vital ecological importance in the region. As a result of this high degree of environmental impact, it now constitutes an internationally protected wetland, under the auspices of the Ramsar Convention.
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Caddo Lake Physical Description
Most notably, the fabulous Caddo Lake represents a comparatively large example of its uniquely specific type of geological feature. That holds true due to the fact that the impressive site actually has a total surface area measuring around 26,810 acres (10,850 ha).
In addition, the remarkable location actually sits at a surprisingly low elevation. In fact, the surface of the lake sits at an average altitude above sea level of only 161 ft (49 m). However, the precise altitude naturally varies slightly due to such factors as rainfall and evaporation.
But, quite surprisingly, the average depth of the bayou portion of the fascinating Caddo Lake remains different than that of the lake itself. The lake itself has an average depth ranging from 8 – 10 ft (2.4 – 3.0 m). Meanwhile, the bayou actually averages a depth of roughly 20 ft (6.1 m).
Caddo Lake Formation, History, and Ecology
Firstly, the truly incredible Caddo Lake formed in a unique location. That’s because the site now straddles the border between two states in the United States, in North America. Secondly, and more specifically, this marvel of Nature sits on the border between the states of Louisiana and Texas.
However, the exact time period in which the lake formed, as well as the manner in which it formed, remains a subject of debate. Firstly, the legends of the Caddo state that it formed as a result of a series of powerful earthquakes, that occurred between the years 1811-1812.
But secondly, some experts think it formed in an entirely different manner, and at a slightly later date. That’s because these experts believe it formed due to the occurrence of a gargantuan log jam. This log jam, which blocked a 100-mile (160 km) stretch of the Red River, occurred in the 1830’s.
Further, the local Native Americans used the lake for their purposes for untold centuries, perhaps longer. Commercial development, however, began in earnest in the 19th century. This happened subsequent to the invention of the steamboat, and the acquisition of the region by the United States.
Not surprisingly, in addition to its own natural beauty, Caddo Lake also serves as home to an impressive array of plant and animal life. Most notably among the flora is the extensive cypress swamp. Yet, the area also hosts large numbers of eagles, frogs, bobcats, otters, alligators, and North American Beaver, to name just a few species.
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