| Gutiérrez Lake | |
|---|---|
| Location | Patagonia |
| Lake type | Moraine-dammed lake |
| Primary outflows | Gutiérrez River |
| Basin countries | Argentina |
| Surface elevation | 2,510 ft (770 m) |
| Islands | 0 (no islands) |
| Settlements | San Carlos de Bariloche |
Gutiérrez Lake (Spanish: Lago Gutiérrez) is a lake of the lake region of northern Patagonia in the province of Río Negro, in Argentina. It is of glacial origin, being a Moraine-dammed lake. The lake is connected to Nahuel Huapi Lake. It was named by explorer and naturalist Francisco P. Moreno as an homage to his academic mentor Juan María Gutiérrez.
The lake harbors several species of trout including rainbow trout, brown trout and brook trout which attract anglers from the world over. [1]
Despite being nowhere near any ocean and being at high altitude, the lake is also home to the Kelp Gull and the Blue Eyed Cormorant (Phalacrocorax atriceps), otherwise strictly marine birds. [2] [3] [4]
The lake’s clear waters are very susceptible to climate change and have an average surface temperature of 45°F (7°C). Hypothermia is one of the risks bathers must endure. Kayaking is a popular sport on this and adjacent lakes.