Spotted Lake Facts
- The most noteworthy thing about Spotted Lake lies in the form of spots that form on its surface. In fact, these highly distinctive formations appear on a very regular basis. The features appear each summer as the water within the lake slowly evaporates.
- But, that’s not its only claim to fame. This astonishing geological site also played a surprising role in the history of the immediate region. In point of fact, the indigenous First Nations peoples of the region have considered its waters sacred for centuries.
- The site known as Spotted Lake also played a virtually unknown yet vital role in modern history. During World War 1, its minerals were used in the making of munitions for use by the Allies. The private owners of the land later sold it.
- Thankfully, it was to the Okanagan Syilx peoples, and today it forms a protected area. A barrier has also been erected around the site, restricting public access. The location remains both a sacred site and a source of traditional medicine for the First Nations.
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Spotted Lake Physical Description
Perhaps most notably of all, the mesmerizing uniqueness of Spotted Lake does not rely on sheer size. That’s due to the fact that it actually only represents a very small lake. In point of fact, the unique site only has a maximum length of about 0.43 mi (0.7 km).
The amazing body of water also only possesses a maximum measured width of roughly 0.16 mi (0.25 km). It additionally only has a total shore length equaling about 1.1 mi (1.7 km). Plus, the small but astounding lake itself also has another layer of variability.
That holds true due to the fact that the altitude of the surface of the distinctive lake routinely varies. This occurs because of its constant evaporation with the seasons. Yet, on average, Spotted Lake sits at an altitude of 1,880 ft (573 m).
The distinctive circles themselves also vary in size, depth, and number each year. Yet, though their numbers vary, they average exactly 365 each year. While this appears to be a completely random occurrence, it nevertheless serves to add to the unique aura of the location.
Spotted Lake Location and Distinctiveness
The remarkable Spotted Lake isn’t the only alkaline lake in the world. But it’s one of the most distinctive. This marvel of nature also formed in a remote area of the world. It formed in the area of the Similkameen Valley, in British Columbia, Canada, in North America.
The site primarily contains great quantities of several minerals. These include calcium, magnesium sulfate, and sodium. This wonder of Nataure also contains smaller quantities of other minerals, and even trace amounts of titanium and silver suspended in its water.
When the water evaporates, the sincerely remarkable features of the amazing Spotted Lake appear. That’s due to the fact that these remain behind as deposits sitting on the newly dry lake bed. Since each spot forms independently, they also appear in different colors.
The randomness of these natural patterns of color occurs as a direct result of varying mineral composition. Due to that composition, though, the local Okanagan Syilx peoples, of the First Nations, continue to use the waters of the lake for medicinal purposes.
Finally, the lake continues to serve as a sacred site to these Peoples. Due to this, numerous cairns surround the lake, containing graves, some of them quite ancient. It’s primarily for this reason that the site remains fenced off from tourists, yet it can be viewed from nearby.
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