Diaz Lake

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Diaz Lake
Diaz Lake - Looking east toward Inyo Mountains
Looking east toward Inyo Mountains
Location Owens Valley, California
Coordinates 36°33′39″N, 118°03′18″WCoordinates: 36°33′39″N, 118°03′18″W
Basin countries United States
Surface elevation 3,674 ft (1,120 m)
Diaz Lake
Diaz Lake

Diaz Lake ( 36°33′39″N, 118°03′18″W, elevation 3,674 feet (1,120 m)) is located just south of Lone Pine, California, United States in Owens Valley. The lake was formed by the 1872 Lone Pine earthquake when 18 mi (29 km) of the Owens Valley dropped approximately 20 feet (6 m) (see graben) and a new spring opened, causing water to fill the lowland.

The lake was named for the Diaz family who established a ranch here when brother Rafael and Eleuterio Diaz emigrated from Chile in the 1860's. They owned and operated a successful cattle ranch until the land was sold to the city of Los Angeles.

Year-round fishing is available, and the "Diaz Lake Fish Derby" is held the first Saturday in March.