• What is Crater Lake?
    • As its name suggests, Crater Lake is a large crater lake formed over 7,000 years ago due to the collapse of the nearby volcano Mount Mazama.
  • Where is Crater Lake located?
    • Crater Lake is located in the south-central section of Oregon and is part of Crater Lake National Park.
  • How big is Crater Lake?
    • The lake has a maximum length of 6 miles (9.7 km) and a width of 5 miles (8 km).
  • What is the surface area of Crater Lake?
    • Crater Lake has a surface area of 20.6 square miles.
  • How deep is Crater Lake?
    • The lake has an average depth of 1,148 feet (350 m), while its maximum depth reaches 1,949 feet (594 m).
  • How long is the shoreline of Crater Lake?
    • Crater Lake has approximately 21.8 miles (35.1 km) of shoreline.

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1. Crater Lake History and Elevation

Crater Lake History and Elevation

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  • What is significant about Crater Lake's depth?
    • Crater Lake is the deepest lake in the entire United States and has the ninth deepest maximum depth of any lake in the world.
  • Does Crater Lake have any inflows or outflows?
    • No waterways flow in or out of the lake. Any water that evaporates is replaced by rain and snow.
  • Are there fish in Crater Lake?
    • No fish naturally lived in Crater Lake, but it was stocked in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Several species have since formed their own populations.
  • What is Crater Lake's significance to Native Americans?
    • The lake is important to the Klamath tribe of Native Americans. Various stories and legends are associated with it, and it was also a location for vision quests for the Klamath people in the past.
  • How is Crater Lake represented in Oregon?
    • Crater Lake is an important symbol for Oregon and can be seen on state license plates. It also appeared on the Oregon State Quarter created in 2005.
  • Why is Crater Lake famous for its color?
    • The lake is known for its deep blue color, which is a result of its clarity and depth.
  • What islands are found in Crater Lake?
    • The lake features two islands: Phantom Ship and Wizard Island.
  • What is the 'Old Man of the Lake'?
    • The 'Old Man of the Lake' is a 30-foot (9 m) tree stump that has been bobbing vertically in the lake for over a century.
  • What activities can be enjoyed at Crater Lake?
    • Popular activities at Crater Lake include scenic drives, hiking trails, and boat tours.

2. Elevation of Crater Lake

Elevation of Crater Lake

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  • What is elevation?
    • Elevation tells us how high or low a location is in relation to the mean sea level of Earth. It is an important geographical term with various uses and can influence an area's climate.
  • How does elevation affect climate?
    • Higher elevations result in lower average temperatures and can lead to increased snowfall and cooler weather.
  • What is the surface elevation of Crater Lake?
    • The surface elevation of Crater Lake is 6,178 feet (1,883 m).
  • What is the elevation of Crater Lake’s caldera rim?
    • The elevation of the caldera rim varies from as low as 7,000 feet (2,100 m) up to as high as 8,000 feet (2,400 m).
  • What is Wizard Island?
    • Wizard Island is a volcanic cinder cone located in the western part of Crater Lake.
  • What is the elevation of Wizard Island?
    • The highest point on Wizard Island reaches 6,933 feet (2,113 m). The island has a prominence of 755 feet (230 m) and can be accessed during the summer by boat.
  • What is Phantom Ship?
    • Phantom Ship is the second island on Crater Lake. It is a very small rock formation named for its resemblance to a ghost ship, particularly in dark or low-visibility conditions.
  • What is the elevation of Phantom Ship?
    • The top elevation of Phantom Ship is 170 feet (51.8 m).
  • How does Crater Lake’s elevation impact its climate?
    • The high elevation of Crater Lake leads to low temperatures and significant snowfall. The area has a subalpine climate, with mild, dry summers and cold, wet winters.
  • How much snow and rain does Crater Lake receive?
    • Crater Lake receives over 500 inches of snow and more than 60 inches of rain per year. Snow can fall in almost any month, but the heaviest snowfall occurs from December through March.
  • When are the coldest and warmest months at Crater Lake?
    • The coldest temperatures occur in January, with average lows of 18°F (-8°C). The warmest temperatures occur in July, with average highs of 55°F (13°C).

3. Elevation of Crater Lake Compared to Oregon

Elevation of Crater Lake Compared to Oregon

© Josemaria Toscano/stock.adobe.com

  • How does Oregon rank in elevation compared to other states?
    • Oregon is the ninth highest state in America, with a mean elevation of 3,300 feet (1,010 m).
  • How does Crater Lake's elevation compare to Oregon’s average?
    • The elevation of Crater Lake is much higher than the state average of 3,300 feet (1,010 m).
  • What is the highest point in Oregon?
    • Oregon’s highest point is Mount Hood, which is part of the Cascade Volcanic Arc and has an elevation of 11,249 feet (3,429 m).
  • What is the lowest point in Oregon?
    • The lowest point in the state is the Pacific Ocean, which is at sea level.
  • What are the elevations of Oregon’s major cities?
    • Portland has an elevation of 49 feet (15 m).
    • Bend is located at an elevation of 3,623 feet (1,104.3 m).
    • Salem has an elevation of 154 feet (47 m).
  • What is the highest city in Oregon?
    • The highest city in Oregon is Lakeview, which has an elevation of 4,802 feet (1,464 m).

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