Caballo Lake
Encyclopedia
Caballo Lake is a reservoir
on the Rio Grande River in southern New Mexico
, United States
. It is the fourth largest reservoir in New Mexico in terms of surface area and the fifth largest body of water in New Mexico in terms of volume. The lake is in Caballo Lake State Park
, which is approximately 16 miles (25.7 km) south of Truth or Consequences.
The lake is used for recreational activities, such as boating, swimming, waterskiing, and fishing. Fish in the lake include bass, catfish, crappie, and bluegill.
Caballo Lake is also a birdwatching site. Many migratory birds use the lake as a "rest stop" during their travels, and eagles are often seen in the area.
Caballo (horse in Spanish) Lake is named for the Caballo Mountains
that border the lake to the northeast, east, and southeast, in which wild horses roamed. The upper area of the lake is very shallow and in recent years has been blocked from the lower, deeper end of the lake. The water has a slightly brownish hue from a distance, due to the shallow waters (usually about 75 feet (22.9 m) at the deepest point). The beaches of Caballo are rocky when compared to Elephant Butte Reservoir
, but there are many sandy areas. Beware of the whirlpool at the dam, as it can be a hazard.
Reservoir
A reservoir , artificial lake or dam is used to store water.Reservoirs may be created in river valleys by the construction of a dam or may be built by excavation in the ground or by conventional construction techniques such as brickwork or cast concrete.The term reservoir may also be used to...
on the Rio Grande River in southern New Mexico
New Mexico
New Mexico is a state located in the southwest and western regions of the United States. New Mexico is also usually considered one of the Mountain States. With a population density of 16 per square mile, New Mexico is the sixth-most sparsely inhabited U.S...
, United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
. It is the fourth largest reservoir in New Mexico in terms of surface area and the fifth largest body of water in New Mexico in terms of volume. The lake is in Caballo Lake State Park
Caballo Lake State Park
Caballo Lake State Park is a state park of New Mexico, USA, located south of Truth or Consequences on the Rio Grande. Caballo Lake was created in the 1930s when an earthen dam was built across the Rio Grande. The dam is tall and across...
, which is approximately 16 miles (25.7 km) south of Truth or Consequences.
The lake is used for recreational activities, such as boating, swimming, waterskiing, and fishing. Fish in the lake include bass, catfish, crappie, and bluegill.
Caballo Lake is also a birdwatching site. Many migratory birds use the lake as a "rest stop" during their travels, and eagles are often seen in the area.
Caballo (horse in Spanish) Lake is named for the Caballo Mountains
Caballo Mountains
The Caballo Mountains, are a mountain range located in Sierra and Doña Ana Counties, New Mexico, United States. The range is located east of the Rio Grande and Caballo Lake, and west of the Jornada del Muerto; the south of the range extends into northwest Doña Ana County...
that border the lake to the northeast, east, and southeast, in which wild horses roamed. The upper area of the lake is very shallow and in recent years has been blocked from the lower, deeper end of the lake. The water has a slightly brownish hue from a distance, due to the shallow waters (usually about 75 feet (22.9 m) at the deepest point). The beaches of Caballo are rocky when compared to Elephant Butte Reservoir
Elephant Butte Reservoir
Elephant Butte Reservoir is a reservoir on the Rio Grande in the U.S. state of New Mexico, north of Truth or Consequences. It is impounded by Elephant Butte Dam and is the largest reservoir in New Mexico...
, but there are many sandy areas. Beware of the whirlpool at the dam, as it can be a hazard.
External links
- New Mexico State Parks Division External Link http://www.emnrd.state.nm.us/PRD/Caballo.htm