At its full capacity, Upper Lake Mary in Flagstaff, Arizona, spans a surface area of 939 acres and holds a storage capacity of 16,300 acre-feet. This makes it a significant body of water in the region, serving various vital functions.
Upper Lake Mary is part of the Lake Mary system, a pair of reservoirs located southeast of Flagstaff. These lakes are crucial for both municipal water supply and recreational activities in Northern Arizona.
Key Dimensions at Full Pool
The measurements for Upper Lake Mary are typically referenced at its "full pool" level, which is when the water reaches the spillway elevation. At this point, the lake's dimensions are precisely defined:
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Surface Area | 939 acres |
| Storage Capacity | 16,300 acre-feet |
| Mean Depth | 17.4 feet |
| Depth Near Dam | 39 feet |
| Spillway Elevation | 6,828.5 feet above mean sea level |
These figures highlight the substantial volume of water Upper Lake Mary can contain. The "full pool" status refers to the point where the lake's water level reaches the spillway elevation of 6,828.5 feet above mean sea level, allowing excess water to flow over.
Understanding These Measurements
To better understand the scale of Upper Lake Mary:
- Surface Area (939 acres): This is the extent of the lake's surface on the water, equivalent to approximately 1.47 square miles. For comparison, a standard football field is about 1.32 acres, meaning the lake's surface covers an area equivalent to over 700 football fields.
- Storage Capacity (16,300 acre-feet): An acre-foot is the volume of water required to cover one acre to a depth of one foot. This metric is commonly used for large water bodies and reservoirs, indicating the substantial amount of water available for storage, which is critical for Flagstaff's water resources.
- Mean Depth (17.4 feet): This is the average depth across the entire lake.
- Depth Near Dam (39 feet): This indicates the deepest point of the lake, specifically near the dam structure.
Importance of Upper Lake Mary
Beyond its impressive dimensions, Upper Lake Mary is a cornerstone of the Flagstaff community. It serves as a primary source of water for the city, playing a critical role in municipal water services. Additionally, it is a popular destination for various outdoor activities, including:
- Boating (motorized and non-motorized)
- Fishing for species like Northern Pike, Walleye, Channel Catfish, and Yellow Perch
- Kayaking and paddleboarding
- Wildlife viewing
For more details on fishing and recreational opportunities at the lake, you can visit the Arizona Game & Fish Department website.
