Near West Wendover in Elko County, Nevada — The American Mountains (Southwest)
Where Did the Lake Go?
The last major glacial period in North America began about 23,000 years ago. During that time the water level of Lake Bonneville rose because of colder temperatures and a wetter climate. This freshwater lake was over 1,000 feet deep and covered 51,530 square miles - an area the size of Arkansas. If you were standing in this spot 15,000 years ago, you would be more than 500 feet underwater! Pilot Peak, the pyramid shaped mountain in front of you, was merely a small island surrounded by a freshwater lake teeming with fish.
About 14,500 years ago, water rushing through a break in a natural dam along Lake Bonneville's northern shore dropped the lake level over 300 feet in just a few months! These raging floodwaters deepened the Snake River Canyon in Idaho. A warmer and drier climate over the next 5,000 years slowly caused the lake to shrink even further. Look carefully at the surrounding hills, especially east toward Wendover. You can still see the beach terraces left at the different high water marks as the lake receded. The Great Salt Lake is all that remains of this once vast lake.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Environment.
Location. 40° 50.711′ N, 114° 12.493′ W. Marker is near West Wendover, Nevada, in Elko County. Marker is on Pilot Road, 0.2 miles north of Interstate 80, on the right when traveling north. Pilot Road is accessed from Exit 398 of I-80. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: West Wendover NV 89883, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 11 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Can Anything Survive Here? (here, next to this marker); Tough Traveling in the Desert (here, next to this marker); Pilot Peak (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Transcontinental Telephone Line (approx. 10.1 miles away); Ancient Lake Bonneville (approx. 10.1 miles away); Historic Wendover Field (approx. 10.1 miles away); Western Pacific Railroad (approx. 10.1 miles away); Lincoln Highway (approx. 10.1 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in West Wendover.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on August 21, 2013, by Duane Hall of Abilene, Texas. This page has been viewed 412 times since then and 13 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on August 21, 2013, by Duane Hall of Abilene, Texas. 2, 3. submitted on August 11, 2013, by Duane Hall of Abilene, Texas.