User:Gjoe1973/Diablo Lake

Overview
Diablo Lake is located in Whatcom County Washington State, north of the Cascade Mountain range. It sits between Ross Lake and Gorge Lake along the Skagit River. The lake was first created due to the installation of the Diablo Dam in the mid-1900s. It is part of a hydroelectric project for the surrounding cities responsible for the electricity that the dam supplies. Diablo lake is home to many different wildlife species making fishing a major part of recreational activities. The lake also hosts many trails bringing in hikers as well.

History
Diablo Lake is a reservoir in the North Cascade mountains of northern Washington state, United States. Created by Diablo Dam, the lake is located between Ross Lake and Gorge Lake on the Skagit River at an elevation of 1201 ft above sea level. Diablo Lake is part of the Skagit River Hydroelectric Project and managed by Seattle City Light.

Geological History
The Skagit Valley ​was formed due to the local alpine glaciers specifically the Ross and Diablo lakes area was developed as a result of runoff from Cordilleran Glacier. The unique, intense turquoise hue of the lake's water is attributed to the surrounding glaciers that grind rocks into a fine powder that is carried into the lake through creeks. That fine powder, also called glacial flour, stays suspended in the lake, giving the water its brilliant color.

Diablo Dam
Owned and operated by Seattle City Light and Power Company the Diablo Dam is a part of the Skagit River Hydroelectric Project. Responsible for supplying the surrounding areas with some of their power needs. Construction finished in 1930 and the Dam became operational in 1936.

Hiking:
Diablo Lake Trail is the main hike surrounding the lake. It is a 7.2-mile hike reaching roughly 1,512 feet in elevation and is a moderate-level hike within the Ross Lake National Recreation Area. This trial has a combination of forest and lake scenery with kid and dog-friendly paths. Most recommend hiking the Diablo trail between April and September.

Fishing:
The lake holds rainbow, coastal cutthroat, brook, and the federally threatened bull trout. Make note that two-pole fishing is not allowed at Diablo Lake as a way to manage the fish population.