Mascoma Lake

Mascoma Lake

Mascoma Lake, February 2005
Location Grafton County, New Hampshire
Coordinates 43°37′20″N 72°8′27″W / 43.62222°N 72.14083°W / 43.62222; -72.14083Coordinates: 43°37′20″N 72°8′27″W / 43.62222°N 72.14083°W / 43.62222; -72.14083
Primary inflows Mascoma River; Knox River
Primary outflows Mascoma River
Basin countries United States
Max. length 4.2 mi (6.8 km)
Max. width 0.7 mi (1.1 km)
Surface area 1,165 acres (4.71 km2)
Average depth 30 ft (9.1 m)
Max. depth 68 ft (21 m)
Surface elevation 228 meters
Islands Wood Island; Relhan Island; North Island
Settlements Enfield; Lebanon (village of Mascoma)

Mascoma Lake is a 1,158-acre (469 ha)[1] lake in western New Hampshire, United States. Most of the lake is within the town of Enfield, while a small portion is within the city of Lebanon, where it drains into the Mascoma River, a tributary of the Connecticut River.

The lake's general trend is from southeast to northwest, with the outlet at the northwestern end. The Mascoma River enters the lake near its halfway point, from the northeastern side, at the town center of Enfield. The southeastern end of the lake is fed by the Knox River. The lake's average depth is 30 feet (9.1 m) with a maximum depth of 68 feet (21 m).[1]

The lake freezes during winter and is stable enough to be walked upon. Ice fishing is popular on the lake. The lake is stocked with trout by the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department.

Mascoma Lake often has a spring cyanobacteria bloom. In June 2009 the State of New Hampshire discouraged people from recreation in some areas of the lake because of the bloom.[2] However, the lake is generally considered safe for swimming, and the town of Enfield maintains a public beach with a lifeguard on the lake.

NASA and its partners have used the frozen lake to test a robotic rover as a simulation of Antarctica.

Mascoma Lake is home to the Dartmouth College sailing team. A community sailing club called the Mascoma Sailing Club[3] also uses the lake.

See also

References

  1. 1 2 "Mascoma Lake, Enfield, Lebanon" (PDF). NH Fish & Game. Retrieved September 2, 2014.
  2. ↑ State Issues Cyanobacteria Warning for Mascoma Lake
  3. ↑ Mascoma Sailing Club
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