Eklutna Lake

Eklutna Lake (Dena'ina: Idlu Bena) is a 1,424.5 hectares (3,520 acres) lake in the Municipality of Anchorage, Alaska, near the village of Eklutna.[1][2] It is located entirely inside Chugach State Park[3] and is about 1 mile (1.6 km) wide and 7 miles (11 km) in length.[4]

Eklutna Lake
Eklootna Lake
Location of Eklutna Lake in Alaska, USA
Location of Eklutna Lake in Alaska, USA
Eklutna Lake
Location of Eklutna Lake in Alaska, USA
Location of Eklutna Lake in Alaska, USA
Eklutna Lake
Coordinates61.381°N 149.045°W / 61.381; -149.045
Native nameIdlu Bena (Tanaina)
Primary inflowsEklutna River
Primary outflowsEklutna River
Basin countriesUnited States
DesignationReservoir
Max. length7 miles (11 km)
Max. width1 mile (1.6 km)
Surface area1,424.5 hectares (3,520 acres)
Max. depth91.4 meters (300 ft)
Surface elevation840 feet (260 m)

Access

The only land access is by Eklutna Lake Road, which is described as "narrow and winding with no shoulders". Only unpowered boats and electric trolling motors are permitted, and there is no boat launch ramp.[4] There is a small airstrip at the south end of the lake.[3]

Dam
generators powered by water flow diverted from the lake
Main article: Eklutna Dam

As a reservoir, the lake is the main source of Anchorage's drinking water and a major source of electricity via a hydroelectric dam that diverts almost all of the water that used to comprise the Eklutna River. The agencies that own the dam are required to begin restoring the river by 2027, and completely restore it by 2032. With the removal of an older, unused diversion dam downstream there is interest in restoring the previous water flow back to the river sooner rather than waiting, in order to provide anadromous salmon habitat, an effort supported by nonprofit groups and U.S. Representative Don Young.[5]

Recreation
Further information: Chugach State Park

The lake contains sizable populations of Kokanee salmon and Dolly Varden trout.[1] Park facilities around the lake include a large campground, picnic areas, and a substantial trail system providing access to backcountry and Eklutna Glacier, the source of the lake and river.[6][3]

References
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Eklutna Lake.
  1. Alaska Lakes Database, Alaska Department of Fish and Game
  2. U.S. Geological Survey Geographic Names Information System: Eklutna Lake
  3. Eklutna Lake trail guide, Alaska Department of Natural Resources
  4. The Milepost, 2018 edition, ISBN 9781892154378 pg332/334
  5. Tunseth, Matt, For 89 years, a dam blocked salmon on the Eklutna River. It’s finally gone. Anchorage Daily News, August 28, 2018
  6. Eklutna Lake campground, Alaska Department of Natural Resources
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