Hebgen Lake

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Template:Short description Template:Use mdy dates Template:Main otherScript error: No such module "Infobox".Template:Template otherScript error: No such module "Infobox body of water tracking".Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". Hebgen Lake is a reservoir created by the Hebgen Dam, located in Gallatin County in southwest Montana. It is well known for the 1959 Hebgen Lake earthquake (magnitude 7.1 to 7.5) which occurred nearby on August 17, 1959, forming Quake Lake, which is located immediately downstream.[1]

Geography

Hebgen Lake is located in southwest Montana. It lies approximately Template:Convert northwest of West Yellowstone and Template:Convert southwest of Ennis. It is approximately Template:Convert long and Template:Convert wide, covering Template:Convert. At its deepest it is Template:Convert, with a volume of Template:Convert.[2][3]

In addition to the Madison River, which flows through the reservoir, the tributaries include the South Fork Madison River, which feeds the southeastern Madison Arm, as well as Duck Creek, Grayling Creek and Red Canyon Creek, which flow into the eastern Grayling Arm. To the west, opposite the Grayling Arm, Watkins Creek flows into the main part of the reservoir.

Ecology

Hebgen Lake supports a diverse aquatic ecosystem and is notable for its self-sustaining fish populations and unique ecological challenges. The lake is home to wild rainbow and brown trout, with studies showing that over 80% of rainbow trout are of wild origin.[4] Hatchery contributions are limited, helping to maintain a balanced and resilient fish community.[3]

The Madison and Grayling arms of the lake host extensive beds of aquatic vegetation, including curly-leaf pondweed and Eurasian watermilfoil. These submerged plants provide habitat for aquatic invertebrates and juvenile fish.[5] However, the presence of invasive species has raised management concerns.

Harmful algal blooms (HABs), particularly of cyanobacteria such as Anabaena flos-aquae, have occurred periodically in Hebgen Lake. These blooms can produce toxins that are dangerous to wildlife, livestock, pets, and humans. In response, NorthWestern Energy developed a toxic algae monitoring and public notification plan to reduce health risks and improve lake safety.[6]

Groundwater inputs and nutrient pollution are also ecological concerns. Advocacy groups have questioned the adequacy of environmental review for wastewater discharge permits in the area, citing potential risks to Hebgen Lake's water quality.[7]

Historical water quality assessments conducted by the Environmental Protection Agency in the 1970s provide baseline data on nutrient levels and other limnological parameters, used to establish long-term ecological trends.[8]

Fish Species

Hebgen Lake supports a coldwater fishery dominated by trout species. Both native and introduced species are found in the lake. They benefit from its cool temperatures, and aquatic vegetation. Notably, wild rainbow and brown trout sustain popular recreational fisheries, while native species like mountain whitefish and westslope cutthroat trout contribute to ecological balance. The table below lists fish species documented in Hebgen Lake by Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks.[3]

Fish species found in Hebgen Lake
Common Name Scientific Name Group Water Type Origin
Brown Trout Salmo trutta Trout Coldwater Introduced[9]
Mountain Whitefish Prosopium williamsoni Trout Coldwater Native[10]
Rainbow Trout Oncorhynchus mykiss Trout Coldwater Introduced[11]
Utah Chub Gila atraria Minnow — Introduced[12]
Westslope Cutthroat Trout Oncorhynchus lewisi Trout Coldwater Native[13]

Recreation

Hebgen Lake and the surrounding area offer many recreational activities: camping, fishing, boating, and hiking. Campgrounds include Rainbow Point and Cherry Creek. Rainbow Point is the largest campground on the lake, offering four "loops." Each loop contains approximately 20 campsites. Each campsite can accommodate a full-size camper and one or two vehicles.[14]

See also

Images

References

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External links

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  1. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named geosurvey
  2. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
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  4. ↑ https://www.johnjuracek.com/a-long-pondered-question-answered/
  5. ↑ https://www.yellowstoneflyfishing.com/hebgen.htm
  6. ↑ https://northwesternenergy.com/docs/default-source/default-document-library/clean-energy/environmental-projects/missouri-madison-hydro-project/toxic-algae-plan.pdf
  7. ↑ https://www.uppermissouriwaterkeeper.org/waterkeeper-raises-concerns-with-groundwater-discharge-permit-near-hebgen-lake/
  8. ↑ https://nepis.epa.gov/Exe/ZyPURL.cgi?Dockey=9100F37B.TXT
  9. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  10. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  11. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  12. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  13. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  14. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named fs
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