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Coordinates: 44°51′10″N 111°23′20″W / 44.8528°N 111.3889°W / 44.8528; -111.3889
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{{Short description|Lake in southwestern Montana, United States}}
{{for|other lakes created by earthquakes|Landslide dam}}
{{for|other lakes created by earthquakes|Landslide dam}}
{{Infobox lake
{{Infobox body of water
| name = Quake Lake
| name = Quake Lake
| image = Quakelakemontana.jpg
| image = Quakelakemontana.jpg
| caption =
| caption =
| image_bathymetry =
| image_bathymetry =
| caption_bathymetry =
| caption_bathymetry =
| pushpin_map = USA#Montana
⚫
| location = [[Madison County, Montana|Madison]] / [[Gallatin County, Montana|Gallatin]] counties, [[Montana]], [[United States]]
| pushpin_label_position =
| coords = {{coord|44.8528707|-111.3889306|type:mountain_region:US|format=dms|notes=<ref name=gnis>{{cite gnis|id=793664|name=Earthquake Lake|accessdate=2012-04-01}}</ref>|display=title}}
| pushpin_map_alt =
⚫
| type = Natural/Fresh Water Lake
| pushpin_map_caption = Location in the [[United States]]##Location in [[Montana]]

⚫
| location = [[Madison County, Montana|Madison]] / [[Gallatin County, Montana|Gallatin]] counties, [[Montana]], [[United States]]
⚫
| inflow = Madison River
| coords = {{coord|44.8528|-111.3889|type:mountain_region:US|format=dms|display=inline,title}}<ref name=gnis/>
⚫
| outflow = Madison River
⚫
| type = Natural/Fresh Water Lake
⚫
| catchment =
⚫
| inflow = Madison River
⚫
| basin_countries = United States
⚫
| outflow = Madison River
⚫
| length = {{convert|6|mi|abbr=on}}
⚫
| catchment =
⚫
| width = {{convert|.25|mi|abbr=on}}
⚫
| basin_countries = United States
| area =
⚫
| length = {{convert|6|mi|abbr=on}}
| depth =
⚫
| width = {{convert|0.25|mi|abbr=on}}
| max-depth =
| area = {{convert|611.8|acre|abbr=on}}<ref name=mfwp/>
| volume =
| depth = {{convert|47.2|ft|abbr=on}}<ref name=mfwp2/>
| residence_time =
| max-depth = {{convert|124.88|ft|abbr=on}}<ref name=mfwp2/>
| shore =
| volume = {{convert|26555|acre-ft|abbr=on}}<ref name=mfwp2/>
| elevation =
| islands =
| residence_time =
| cities =
| shore =
| elevation = {{convert|6391|ft|abbr=on}}<ref name=gnis>{{cite gnis|793664|Earthquake Lake}}</ref>
| islands =
| cities =
}}
}}
[[Image:Hebgen Lake Landslide.jpg|right|thumb|Landslide at Quake Lake [[U.S. Geological Survey]]]]
[[Image:Hebgen Lake Landslide.jpg|thumb|Landslide at Quake Lake [[U.S. Geological Survey]]]]
[[Image:QuakeLake.jpg|right|thumb|Quake Lake from overlook]]
[[Image:QuakeLake.jpg|upright|thumb|Quake Lake from overlook]]
'''Quake Lake''' (officially '''Earthquake Lake''') is a [[lake]] in the [[Western United States|
'''Quake Lake''' (officially '''Earthquake Lake''') is a [[lake]] in southwestern [[Montana]] in the [[United States]]. It was created after an [[earthquake]] struck on August 17, 1959, killing 28 people.<ref name=usgs>{{cite web|title=Largest Earthquake in Montana|url=http://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/states/events/1959_08_18.php|work=Historic Earthquakes|publisher=United States Geological Survey|accessdate=2012-04-01|date=October 21, 2009}}</ref> Today, Quake Lake is {{convert|190|ft}} deep and {{convert|6|mi}} long. [[US 287]] follows the lake and offers glimpses of the effects of the earthquake and landslide and visitor center is just off the road. The lake is mostly within [[Gallatin National Forest]].
western]] [[United States]], on the [[Madison River]] in southwestern [[Montana]]. It was created after an [[earthquake]] struck on August 17, 1959, with 28 fatalities.<ref name=usgs>{{cite web|title=Largest Earthquake in Montana|url=https://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/states/events/1959_08_18.php|work=Historic Earthquakes|publisher=United States Geological Survey|access-date=2012-04-01|date=October 21, 2009|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100105042605/https://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/states/events/1959_08_18.php|archive-date=January 5, 2010}}</ref> Northwest of [[West Yellowstone, Montana|West Yellowstone]], Quake Lake is {{convert|6|mi|0|spell=in}} in length with a maximum depth of {{convert|125|ft}}.


[[U.S. Route 287 in Montana|U.S. Route 287]] follows the lake and offers glimpses of the effects of the earthquake and landslide, and a visitor center is just off the road. The lake is mostly within [[Gallatin National Forest]].
==The earthquake==

==Earthquake==
{{main|1959 Hebgen Lake earthquake}}
{{main|1959 Hebgen Lake earthquake}}


The earthquake measured 7.5 on the [[Richter scale]] (revised by USGS to 7.3) and caused an 80-million ton [[landslide]], which formed a [[landslide dam]] on the [[Madison River]]. The earthquake was the most powerful to hit the state of Montana in historic times. The landslide traveled down the south flank of Sheep Mountain, at an estimated {{convert|100|mph}}, killing 28 people who were camping along the shores of Hebgen Lake and downstream along the Madison River. Upstream the faulting caused by the earthquake forced the waters of [[Hebgen Lake]] to shift violently. A [[seiche]], a wave effect created by [[wind]], atmospheric pressure, or seismic activity on [[water]], crested over [[Hebgen Dam]], causing cracks and erosion.
The earthquake measured 7.5 on the [[Richter magnitude scale]] (revised by USGS to 7.3) and caused an 80-million ton [[landslide]], which formed a [[landslide dam]] on the [[Madison River]]. The earthquake was the most powerful to hit the state of Montana in recorded history. The landslide traveled down the north flank of Sheep Mountain, at an estimated {{convert|100|mph}}, killing 28 people who were camping along the shores of Hebgen Lake and downstream along the Madison River. Upstream the faulting caused by the earthquake forced the waters of [[Hebgen Lake]] to shift violently. A [[seiche]], a wave effect created by [[wind]], atmospheric pressure, or seismic activity on [[water]], crested over [[Hebgen Dam]], causing cracks and erosion.


The earthquake created [[Geologic fault|fault scarps]] up to {{convert|20|ft|m|abbr=on}} high in the area near Hebgen Lake and the lake bottom itself dropped the same distance. {{convert|32000|acres|km2|abbr=on}} of the area near Hebgen Lake subsided more than {{convert|10|ft|m|abbr=on}}. Several [[geysers]] in the northwestern sections in [[Yellowstone National Park]] erupted and numerous hot springs became temporarily muddied.<ref name=usgs/>
The earthquake created [[fault scarp]]s up to {{convert|20|ft|0|spell=in}} high in the area near Hebgen Lake and the lake bottom itself dropped the same distance. {{convert|32000|acres|mi2 km2|abbr=on}} of the area near Hebgen Lake subsided more than {{convert|10|ft|0|spell=in}}. Several [[geysers]] in the northwestern sections in [[Yellowstone National Park]] erupted and numerous hot springs became temporarily muddied.<ref name=usgs/>


Within the immediate vicinity of the earthquake and resultant landslide, a few dozen cabins and homes were destroyed. Overall damages to buildings and roads were minor with damage costs placed at 11 million [[United States dollar|dollars]] in 1959. [[Aftershock]]s up to 6.5 on the Richter scale continued for several months.<ref name=usgs/>
Within the immediate vicinity of the earthquake and resultant landslide, a few dozen cabins and homes were destroyed. Overall damages to buildings and roads were minor with damage costs placed at 11 million [[United States dollar|dollars]] in 1959. [[Aftershock]]s up to 6.5 on the Richter magnitude scale continued for several months.<ref name=usgs/> At the time, the quake was the second largest to occur in the continental US during the 20th century.<ref name=fs>{{cite web
|url=https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/custergallatin/specialplaces/?cid=stelprdb5127785 |title=Earthquake Lake Visitor Center |work=Custer Gallatin National Forest |publisher=USDA Forest Service |access-date=January 14, 2019}}</ref>


==Hebgen Dam and creation of the lake==
==Hebgen Dam and creation of the lake==
[[Hebgen Dam]], built in 1917, is a [[concrete]] core and rock fill faced structure that sustained severe damage but continued to hold. Repairs were completed on the dam spillway in a few weeks. The landslide, which occurred downstream from the dam, blocked almost all the flow of the Madison River which began to fill in the void upstream from the slide. In less than a month, the waters had created what is now known as Quake Lake. The lack of a reliable water outlet for this new lake forced one of the largest mobilizations of the [[U.S. Army Corps of Engineers]] ever commenced in the western U.S. Before the new landslide was breached by the quickly rising waters, a [[spillway]] was constructed to ensure erosion and potential failure of the natural dam would be minimized.
[[Hebgen Dam]], built in 1917, is a [[concrete]] core and rock fill faced structure that sustained severe damage but continued to hold. Repairs were completed on the dam spillway in a few weeks. The landslide, which occurred downstream from the dam, blocked almost all the flow of the Madison River which began to fill in the void upstream from the slide. In less than a month, the waters had created what is now known as Quake Lake. The lack of a reliable water outlet for this new lake forced one of the largest mobilizations of the [[U.S. Army Corps of Engineers]] ever commenced in the western U.S. Before the new landslide was breached by the quickly rising waters, a [[spillway]] was constructed to ensure erosion and potential failure of the natural dam would be minimized.


==Visitors center==
==In popular culture==
[[File:Memorial Boulder (3855680673).jpg|thumb|right|Memorial for the victims from the 1959 earthquake at the Earthquake Lake Visitor Center]]
The novel [[The Miseducation of Cameron Post]] features Quake Lake prominently. Before the novel begins, in 1959, the main character's mother was camping in the area with her family during the 1959 earthquake; she escaped but a friend of the family died. At the beginning of the novel, the main character's mother and father die in a car accident that sends their vehicle into Quake Lake.
In 1967, the [[United States Forest Service|U.S. Forest Service's]] Earthquake Lake Visitor Center opened its doors for the first season of operation. The center provides interpretive services for more than 50,000 visitors annually. The center provides a panoramic view of the mountain that fell and the lake that was formed. This facility hosts interpretive displays on earthquakes, plate tectonics, and a working seismograph. It is located in [[Custer Gallatin National Forest]].<ref name=fs/>


==References==
==References==
{{reflist}}
{{reflist|refs=
<ref name=mfwp>{{cite web |url=https://myfwp.mt.gov/fishMT/waterbody/Quake%20Lake |title=Quake Lake |publisher=Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks |access-date=July 7, 2020}}</ref>

<ref name=mfwp2>{{cite web |url=http://fwp.mt.gov/fwpDoc.html?id=57349 |title=Quake Lake 2011 Aerial Imagery |publisher=Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks |access-date=July 7, 2020}}</ref>
}}

==External links==

*[https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/custergallatin/home/?cid=fseprd891034 Earthquake Lake Visitors Center] Custer Gallatin National Forest
*[http://fwp.mt.gov/export/sites/FwpPublic/gisResources/lakeMaps/42630.pdf Quake Lake Bathymetric Map] Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks
{{commons category|Quake Lake|position=left}}

{{authority control}}


[[Category:Lakes of Montana]]
[[Category:Lakes of Montana]]
[[Category:Earthquakes in Montana]]
[[Category:Bodies of water of Gallatin County, Montana]]
[[Category:Landforms of Gallatin County, Montana]]
[[Category:Lakes of Madison County, Montana]]
[[Category:Landforms of Madison County, Montana]]
[[Category:Natural disasters in Montana]]
[[Category:Natural disasters in Montana]]
[[Category:Natural history of Montana]]
[[Category:Natural history of Montana]]
[[Category:Geology of Montana]]
[[Category:Geology of Montana]]
[[Category:1959 natural disasters]]
[[Category:1959 natural disasters in the United States]]
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[[Category:1959 in the United States]]
[[Category:Gallatin National Forest]]
[[Category:Gallatin National Forest]]
[[Category:Landslide-dammed lakes]]
[[Category:Landslide-dammed lakes]]
[[Category:1959 in Montana]]
[[Category:1959 establishments in Montana]]
⚫
[[Category:1959 earthquakes]]

Latest revision as of 19:01, 28 June 2024

For other lakes created by earthquakes, see Landslide dam.
Quake Lake
Quake Lake is located in the United States
Quake Lake
Quake Lake
Location in the United States
Quake Lake is located in Montana
Quake Lake
Quake Lake
Location in Montana
LocationMadison / Gallatin counties, Montana, United States
Coordinates44°51′10″N 111°23′20″W / 44.8528°N 111.3889°W / 44.8528; -111.3889[1]
TypeNatural/Fresh Water Lake
Primary inflowsMadison River
Primary outflowsMadison River
Basin countriesUnited States
Max. length6 mi (9.7 km)
Max. width0.25 mi (0.40 km)
Surface area611.8 acres (247.6 ha)[2]
Average depth47.2 ft (14.4 m)[3]
Max. depth124.88 ft (38.06 m)[3]
Water volume26,555 acre⋅ft (32,755,000 m3)[3]
Surface elevation6,391 ft (1,948 m)[1]
Landslide at Quake Lake U.S. Geological Survey
Quake Lake from overlook

Quake Lake (officially Earthquake Lake) is a lake in the western United States, on the Madison River in southwestern Montana. It was created after an earthquake struck on August 17, 1959, with 28 fatalities.[4] Northwest of West Yellowstone, Quake Lake is six miles (10 km) in length with a maximum depth of 125 feet (38 m).

U.S. Route 287 follows the lake and offers glimpses of the effects of the earthquake and landslide, and a visitor center is just off the road. The lake is mostly within Gallatin National Forest.

Earthquake

[edit]
Main article: 1959 Hebgen Lake earthquake

The earthquake measured 7.5 on the Richter magnitude scale (revised by USGS to 7.3) and caused an 80-million ton landslide, which formed a landslide dam on the Madison River. The earthquake was the most powerful to hit the state of Montana in recorded history. The landslide traveled down the north flank of Sheep Mountain, at an estimated 100 miles per hour (160 km/h), killing 28 people who were camping along the shores of Hebgen Lake and downstream along the Madison River. Upstream the faulting caused by the earthquake forced the waters of Hebgen Lake to shift violently. A seiche, a wave effect created by wind, atmospheric pressure, or seismic activity on water, crested over Hebgen Dam, causing cracks and erosion.

The earthquake created fault scarps up to twenty feet (6 m) high in the area near Hebgen Lake and the lake bottom itself dropped the same distance. 32,000 acres (50 sq mi; 130 km2) of the area near Hebgen Lake subsided more than ten feet (3 m). Several geysers in the northwestern sections in Yellowstone National Park erupted and numerous hot springs became temporarily muddied.[4]

Within the immediate vicinity of the earthquake and resultant landslide, a few dozen cabins and homes were destroyed. Overall damages to buildings and roads were minor with damage costs placed at 11 million dollars in 1959. Aftershocks up to 6.5 on the Richter magnitude scale continued for several months.[4] At the time, the quake was the second largest to occur in the continental US during the 20th century.[5]

Hebgen Dam and creation of the lake

[edit]

Hebgen Dam, built in 1917, is a concrete core and rock fill faced structure that sustained severe damage but continued to hold. Repairs were completed on the dam spillway in a few weeks. The landslide, which occurred downstream from the dam, blocked almost all the flow of the Madison River which began to fill in the void upstream from the slide. In less than a month, the waters had created what is now known as Quake Lake. The lack of a reliable water outlet for this new lake forced one of the largest mobilizations of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers ever commenced in the western U.S. Before the new landslide was breached by the quickly rising waters, a spillway was constructed to ensure erosion and potential failure of the natural dam would be minimized.

Visitors center

[edit]
Memorial for the victims from the 1959 earthquake at the Earthquake Lake Visitor Center

In 1967, the U.S. Forest Service's Earthquake Lake Visitor Center opened its doors for the first season of operation. The center provides interpretive services for more than 50,000 visitors annually. The center provides a panoramic view of the mountain that fell and the lake that was formed. This facility hosts interpretive displays on earthquakes, plate tectonics, and a working seismograph. It is located in Custer Gallatin National Forest.[5]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b "Earthquake Lake". Geographic Names Information System. United States Geological Survey, United States Department of the Interior.
  2. ^ "Quake Lake". Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks. Retrieved July 7, 2020.
  3. ^ a b c "Quake Lake 2011 Aerial Imagery". Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks. Retrieved July 7, 2020.
  4. ^ a b c "Largest Earthquake in Montana". Historic Earthquakes. United States Geological Survey. October 21, 2009. Archived from the original on January 5, 2010. Retrieved 2012-04-01.
  5. ^ a b "Earthquake Lake Visitor Center". Custer Gallatin National Forest. USDA Forest Service. Retrieved January 14, 2019.
[edit]
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