John Martin Reservoir
| John Martin Reservoir | |
|---|---|
 Looking west over reservoir from dam. | |
| Location | Bent County in Colorado, United States |
| Coordinates | 38°03′58″N 102°57′14″W / 38.066°N 102.954°WCoordinates: 38°03′58″N 102°57′14″W / 38.066°N 102.954°W |
| Type | reservoir |
| Primary inflows | Arkansas River, Rule Creek |
| Primary outflows | Arkansas River |
| Basin countries | United States |
| Surface area | 17,000 acres (69 km2) |
| Average depth | 5-10 feet |
| Max. depth | 50 feet |
| Water volume | 603,500 acre·ft (0.7444 km3) |
| Shore length1 | 22 mi (35 km)[1] |
| Surface elevation | 3,870 ft (1,180 m) |
| Settlements | Las Animas |
| 1 Shore length is not a well-defined measure. | |
John Martin Reservoir is a large reservoir located in southeastern Colorado on the Arkansas River. Created in 1948[2] with the completion of John Martin Dam, the reservoir has a maximum capacity of 603,500 acre-feet.[3] At full pool, the surface area of the reservoir is approximately 17,000 acres.[4]
Recreation
John Martin Reservoir provides many recreation opportunities for the southeastern portion of Colorado. Central to the recreation of this area is John Martin Reservoir State Park. Popular for a number of activities, this state park saw visitor numbers approach 200,000 in the year 2012.[1]
Fishing
John Martin Reservoir is a productive warm water fishery, providing quality fishing for saugeye, wiper, white bass, crappie and catfish.[4] These fish are stocked as needed.
Birding
With 373 documented species of birds in Bent County, John Martin Reservoir is considered a premier birding area.[5] Additionally, during winter months, bald eagles can be found throughout the area. During the winter of 2001-2002, 126 eagles were documented[6]
See also
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 United States Army Corps of Engineers (2012). "US Army Corps of Engineers — Value to the Nation". Retrieved 2015-01-04.
- ↑ Sante Fe Trail Co. "John Martin Reservoir State Park on the Santa Fe Trail". Retrieved 2015-01-04.
- ↑ United States Geological Survey - Water Resources of Colorado (2004-04-28). "Arkansas River Basin". Retrieved 2015-01-05.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 Colorado Parks and Wildlife (2013). "John Martin Reservoir: Fish Survey and Management Information". Retrieved 2015-01-04.
- ↑ Colorado Parks and Wildlife. "John Martin Reservoir State Park". Retrieved 2015-01-04.
- ↑ Colorado Parks and Wildlife. "Bald Eagles at John Martin Reservoir State Park". Retrieved 2015-01-04.