| Emigrant Lake | |
|---|---|
| Satellite image of Emigrant Lake | |
| Location | Jackson County, Oregon |
| Lake type | reservoir |
| Primary inflows | Emigrant Creek |
| Primary outflows | Emigrant Creek |
| Basin countries | United States |
| Surface area | 806 acres (3.26 km2) |
| Water volume | 40,530 acre feet (49,990,000 m3) |
| Surface elevation | 2,241 feet (683 m) |
Emigrant Lake is a reservoir located 5 miles (8 km) southeast of Ashland, Oregon, at the southern end of the Rogue Valley.[1] It has an elevation of 2,241 feet (683 m) above sea level.[2] The lake has an average surface area of 806 acres (3.26 km2), and an average volume of 40,530 acre feet (49,990,000 m3).[3] The lake is impounded by Emigrant Lake Dam, which stands 204 feet (62 m) above the surrounding farmland, and is located on Emigrant Creek at the west side of the lake. The spillway is located at the northern tip of the lake. Emigrant Creek is a tributary of Bear Creek.
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The reservoir was created in 1924 when the original 110-foot (34 m) concrete arch dam was built by the Talent Irrigation District for irrigation and flood control.[4] In 1960, the United States Bureau of Reclamation enlarged the dam into the 204-foot (62 m) rock filled structure standing today.[4][5]
Emigrant Lake features a large recreation area. This includes a 42 site full hookup campground,[6] picnic areas, and two 280-foot (85 m) water slides open from Memorial Day to Labor Day.[7]