Lake Sakakawea

Lake Sakakawea
source
Name	Lake Sakakawea
Caption	Aerial view of the reservoir.
Location	North Dakota
Coords	47, 29, N, 101...
Type	Reservoir
Inflow	Missouri River
Outflow	Missouri River
Basin countries	United States
Length	178 mi
Area	368,000 acre
Max-depth	180 ft
Volume	23,800,000 acre.ft
Pushpin map alt	Location in North Dakota.

Lake Sakakawea. It is a vast reservoir on the Missouri River in central North Dakota, named for the Shoshone interpreter Sacagawea who accompanied the Lewis and Clark Expedition. Created by the impoundment of the river behind Garrison Dam, it is the second-largest man-made lake in the United States by volume after Lake Mead. The lake stretches for nearly 180 miles, providing critical water resources, hydroelectric power, and extensive recreational opportunities for the Upper Midwest.

Geography and formation

The reservoir occupies a broad, glacially carved valley within the Missouri Plateau region of the Great Plains. Its primary inflow and outflow is the Missouri River, with significant contributions from tributaries like the Little Missouri River and the Knife River. The lake's formation permanently altered the local topography, flooding the former confluence of the Missouri and the Yellowstone River near what is now the Lake Sakakawea State Park. The underlying geology consists largely of Cretaceous-era Pierre Shale and Fox Hills Formation, with the dam itself anchored in stable Fort Union Formation strata. The shoreline is characterized by rugged buttes, rolling prairie, and numerous bays, creating a complex geography that includes the submerged former town sites of Sanish and Van Hook.

History and construction

The lake's creation was authorized by the Flood Control Act of 1944 as a key component of the Pick-Sloan Missouri Basin Program. Construction of Garrison Dam, a massive embankment dam built by the United States Army Corps of Engineers, began in 1947 and was completed in 1953. The impoundment of the river required the relocation of residents from the Fort Berthold Indian Reservation, displacing communities of the Mandan, Hidatsa, and Arikara nations, collectively known as the Three Affiliated Tribes. The reservoir was officially dedicated in 1956, with its name honoring the cultural guide for the Corps of Discovery. The project was championed by figures like Senator William Langer and was designed in part by engineer John Lucian Savage.

Ecology and wildlife

The reservoir and its surrounding habitats support a diverse ecosystem. The waters are a major fishery for native species like the paddlefish and pallid sturgeon, as well as popular game fish including walleye, chinook salmon, and smallmouth bass. The adjacent Audubon National Wildlife Refuge and Lostwood National Wildlife Refuge provide critical nesting grounds for migratory waterfowl such as the Canada goose and sandhill crane. Upland areas are home to populations of white-tailed deer, pronghorn, and sharp-tailed grouse. Conservation efforts by the North Dakota Game and Fish Department focus on managing invasive species like zebra mussels and preserving riparian zones along tributaries such as the Heart River.

Recreation and tourism

The lake is a premier destination for outdoor recreation, attracting visitors from across the region. Major facilities include the Lake Sakakawea State Park, Fort Stevenson State Park, and the Lewis and Clark State Park, which offer camping, hiking, and interpretive centers. The North Dakota Governor's Walleye Cup is a prominent annual fishing tournament held there. Boating and sailing are popular, with large marinas located near communities like Garrison and New Town. Cultural tourism is centered on sites like the Knife River Indian Villages National Historic Site and the Cross Ranch State Park, which preserve the history of the region's indigenous peoples and early explorers.

Economic importance

The reservoir is a cornerstone of the regional economy. Garrison Dam generates a substantial portion of North Dakota's hydroelectric power, managed by the Western Area Power Administration. The lake provides essential irrigation water for agriculture in the Missouri River Basin, supporting crops like wheat and sunflowers. Its presence has spurred development in industries related to recreation, hospitality, and construction in cities such as Bismarck and Minot. Revenue from fishing licenses, state park fees, and tourism-related businesses significantly contributes to local and state budgets, while the United States Bureau of Reclamation oversees water allocation for municipal and industrial uses throughout the basin.

Category:Reservoirs in North Dakota Category:Missouri River Category:Dams in North Dakota