Blue Lake, reservoir east of the town of Sitka, Alaska, U.S.
Blue Lake is a large reservoir on Baranof Island in Alaska. The water is fed by snow and small glaciers from the valley above, and its distinctive blue color comes from how light reflects and scatters in the water.
The lake was first dammed in 1913 by a local company, and the city took control in 1942. During the 1950s, the dam was rebuilt and enlarged to store more water and improve hydroelectric power production for the region.
The lake's name comes from its distinctive blue water color, which visitors notice immediately upon arrival. The area holds significance for Tlingit communities who have long connections to this part of Baranof Island.
Blue Lake Road provides access to the lake but runs along cliffs and can be dangerous in winter due to snow and avalanches. Visitors can hike on trails or use small boats like kayaks to explore the water and surrounding landscape.
Water from this reservoir is sometimes bottled and sold locally, while larger export plans to other countries have been considered. So far, only small quantities have actually been shipped beyond Alaska.
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