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Coordinates: 40°03′45″N 119°33′49″W / 40.06250°N 119.56361°W / 40.06250; -119.56361
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{{About|the lake in Nevada|other uses|Pyramid Lake (disambiguation){{!}}Pyramid Lake}}
{{About|the lake in Nevada|other uses|Pyramid Lake (disambiguation){{!}}Pyramid Lake}}
{{Infobox body of water
{{Infobox body of water
| name = Pyramid Lake
| name = Pyramid Lake
| native_name =
| native_name =
| native_name_lang =
| native_name_lang =
| other_name =
| other_name = {{native name list
|tag1 =pao
⚫
| image = The pyramid.jpg
|name1 =Kooyooe Panunadu
⚫
| alt = refer to caption
|italics1 =no
⚫
| caption = The [[tufa]] formation that gives Pyramid Lake its name.
|paren1 =yes
⚫
| pushpin_map = USA Nevada#USA

⚫
| pushpin_map_alt = refer to caption
|tag2 =was
|name2 =Á’waku dáʔaw
|italics2 =no
|paren2 =yes

}}
⚫
| image = The pyramid.jpg
⚫
| alt = refer to caption
⚫
| caption = The [[tufa]] formation that gives Pyramid Lake its name.
⚫
| pushpin_map = USA Nevada#USA
⚫
| pushpin_map_alt = refer to caption
| pushpin_label_position = <!-- left, right, top or bottom -->
| pushpin_label_position = <!-- left, right, top or bottom -->
| pushpin_map_caption = Location in Nevada
| pushpin_map_caption = Location in Nevada
| image_bathymetry =
| image_bathymetry =
| alt_bathymetry =
| alt_bathymetry =
| caption_bathymetry =
| caption_bathymetry =
| location = [[Washoe County, Nevada|Washoe County]], [[Nevada]], United States
| location = [[Washoe County, Nevada|Washoe County]], [[Nevada]], United States
| group =
| group =
| coordinates = {{coord|40|03|45|N|119|33|49|W|display=inline,title}}
| coordinates = {{coord|40|03|45|N|119|33|49|W|display=inline,title}}
| lake_type = [[endorheic]] [[salt lake (geography)|salt lake]]
| lake_type = [[endorheic]] [[salt lake (geography)|salt lake]]
| etymology = pyramidal limestone columns
| etymology = pyramidal limestone columns
| inflow = [[Truckee River]]
| inflow = [[Truckee River]]
| catchment = {{convert|1825.8|sqmi|km2|abbr=on}}
| catchment = {{convert|1825.8|sqmi|km2|abbr=on}}
| length = {{convert|29.8|mi|km|abbr=on}}
| length = {{convert|29.8|mi|km|abbr=on}}
| width = {{convert|8.7|mi|km|abbr=on}}
| width = {{convert|8.7|mi|km|abbr=on}}
| area = {{convert|188|sqmi|km2|abbr=on}}<!-- <ref name=USGS>{{cite web |title=Boundary Descriptions and Names of Regions, Subregions, Accounting Units and Cataloging Units |url=http://water.usgs.gov/GIS/huc_name.html |publisher=USGS.gov |access-date=2010-05-16}}</ref> -->
| area = {{convert|188|sqmi|km2|abbr=on}}<!-- <ref name=USGS>{{cite web |title=Boundary Descriptions and Names of Regions, Subregions, Accounting Units and Cataloging Units |url=http://water.usgs.gov/GIS/huc_name.html |publisher=USGS.gov |access-date=2010-05-16}}</ref> -->
| depth =
| depth =
| max-depth = {{convert|356|ft|m|abbr=on}}
| max-depth = {{convert|356|ft|m|abbr=on}}
| volume = {{convert|23660000|acre.ft|km3}}
| volume = {{convert|23660000|acre.ft|km3}}
| elevation = {{convert|3796|ft|m|abbr=on}} (1980 data)<ref name=gnis />
| elevation = {{convert|3796|ft|m|abbr=on}} (1980 data)<ref name=gnis />
| website =
| website =
| islands = [[Anaho Island]]
| islands = [[Anaho Island]]
| reference = GNIS ID: 856349<ref name=gnis>{{Cite web |title=Query Form For The United States And Its Territories |url=http://geonames.usgs.gov/pls/gnispublic |publisher=U.S. Board on Geographic Names |access-date=2010-05-18}}<br />{{gnis|856349|Pyramid Lake (856349)}}; [http://geonames.usgs.gov/pls/gnispublic/f?p=139:3:629487684082195::NO:3:P3_FID,P3_TITLE:848623 The Pyramid (848623)], [http://geonames.usgs.gov/pls/gnispublic/f?p=139:3:629487684082195::NO:3:P3_FID,P3_TITLE:847213 The Needle Rocks (847213)]</ref>
| reference = GNIS ID: 856349<ref name=gnis>{{Cite web |title=Query Form For The United States And Its Territories |url=http://geonames.usgs.gov/pls/gnispublic |publisher=U.S. Board on Geographic Names |access-date=2010-05-18}}<br />{{gnis|856349|Pyramid Lake (856349)}}; [http://geonames.usgs.gov/pls/gnispublic/f?p=139:3:629487684082195::NO:3:P3_FID,P3_TITLE:848623 The Pyramid (848623)], [http://geonames.usgs.gov/pls/gnispublic/f?p=139:3:629487684082195::NO:3:P3_FID,P3_TITLE:847213 The Needle Rocks (847213)]</ref>
{{designation list|embed=yes|designation1=Nevada|designation1_number=18<ref>[http://nvshpo.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=351:nevada-historical-marker-18&catid=80:washoe-countyreno&Itemid=540 Nevada Historical Marker 18]</ref>}}
{{designation list|embed=yes|designation1=Nevada|designation1_number=18}}
}}
}}
'''Pyramid Lake''' is the [[Sink (geography)|geographic sink]] of the basin of the [[Truckee River]], {{convert|40|mi|abbr=on}} northeast of [[Reno, Nevada]], United States.
'''Pyramid Lake''' is the [[Sink (geography)|geographic sink]] of the basin of the [[Truckee River]], {{convert|40|mi|abbr=on}} northeast of [[Reno, Nevada]], United States.


Pyramid Lake is the biggest remnant of ancient [[Lake Lahontan]], the colossal inland sea that once covered most of Nevada.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web|title=Pyramid Lake Nevada {{!}} The official site for the Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe, Nevada|url=https://pyramidlake.us/|access-date=2021-01-31|language=en-US}}</ref> It is approximately 15 miles long and 11 miles wide, covering 112,000 acres entirely enclosed within the [[Pyramid Lake Indian Reservation|Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe Reservation]].<ref>http://plpt.nsn.us/</ref>
Pyramid Lake is the biggest remnant of ancient [[Lake Lahontan]], the inland sea that once covered much of western Nevada.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web|title=Pyramid Lake Nevada {{!}} The official site for the Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe, Nevada|url=https://pyramidlake.us/|access-date=2021-01-31|language=en-US}}</ref> It is approximately {{Convert|27|mi}} long and {{Convert|11|mi}} wide, with a perimeter of {{Convert|71|mi}}, covering {{Convert|112,000|acre}} acres entirely enclosed within the [[Pyramid Lake Indian Reservation|Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe Reservation]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://plpt.nsn.us/|title=Home|website=Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe}}</ref>


Pyramid Lake is fed by the [[Truckee River]], which is mostly the outflow from [[Lake Tahoe]]. The Truckee River enters Pyramid Lake at its southern end. Pyramid Lake is an [[endorheic]] lake. It has no outlet, with water leaving only by [[evaporation]], or sub-surface seepage. The lake has about 10% of the area of the [[Great Salt Lake]], but it has about 25% more volume. The [[salinity]] is approximately 1/6 that of [[sea water]]. Although clear Lake Tahoe forms the headwaters that drain to Pyramid Lake, the Truckee River delivers more [[turbid]] waters to Pyramid Lake after traversing the steep Sierra terrain and collecting moderately high silt-loaded [[surface runoff]].
Pyramid Lake is fed by the [[Truckee River]], which is mostly the outflow from [[Lake Tahoe]]. The Truckee River enters Pyramid Lake at its southern end. Pyramid Lake is an [[endorheic]] lake, with water leaving only by [[evaporation]] or sub-surface seepage. The lake has about 10% of the area of the [[Great Salt Lake]], but it has about 25% more volume. The [[salinity]] is approximately 1/6 that of [[sea water]]. Although clear Lake Tahoe forms the headwaters that drain to Pyramid Lake, the Truckee River delivers more [[turbid]] waters to Pyramid Lake after traversing the steep Sierra terrain and collecting moderately high silt-loaded [[surface runoff]].


The north and east side of the lake have been restricted to the public and non-Tribal members for nearly a decade. In 2011, the Tribal Nation made the decision to close these areas due to the desecration of sacred sites. When visiting, it is recommended to take note of the Tribal protocols and restricted areas.<ref name=":1" />
The north and east sides of the lake have been restricted to the public and non-Tribal members since 2011, when the Tribal Nation made the decision to close these areas due to the desecration of sacred sites. When visiting, it is recommended to take note of the Tribal protocols and restricted areas.<ref name=":1" />


==Name==
==History<ref name="Stonemother Story">{{Cite web|title=Stonemother Story|url=http://plpt.nsn.us/story.html|access-date=2021-06-04|website=plpt.nsn.us}}</ref>==
⚫
[[File:Pyramid Lake and Truckee River.jpg|thumb|left|upright|Aerial view from the south of the Truckee River where it drains to Pyramid Lake]]
⚫
[[File:Timothy H. O'Sullivan, Tufa Domes, Pyramid Lake, Nevada, 1867, NGA 115375.jpg|thumb|left|Timothy H. O'Sullivan, Tufa Domes, Pyramid Lake, Nevada, 1867]]


In [[Northern Paiute language]] it is called Kooyooe (Cui-ui) Panunadu or Kooyooe Pa'a Panunadu after the [[cui-ui]] fish, which helped sustain the populations around the lake.<ref>Jennifer Theresa Kent (2021). "Reclaiming the land, remapping history," ''Nevada Today''. University of Nevada, Reno. Accessed 1 Jan 2023. https://www.unr.edu/nevada-today/news/2021/autumn-harry-remapping-history</ref> In fact, a major band of [[Northern Paiute people|Northern Paiute]] ([[endonym]]: Numu) people whose ancestors lived around the lake call themselves the Kooyooe Tukadu, "cui-ui eaters."<ref>Ginny Bengston (2002). Northern Paiute and Western Shoshone Land Use in Northern Nevada: A Class I Ethnographic/Ethnohistoric Overview. SWCA Environmental Consultants. p. 6. Retrieved 2023-1-1.https://www.blm.gov/sites/default/files/documents/files/Library_Nevada_CulturalResourceSeries12.pdf</ref>
A remnant of the [[Pleistocene]] [[Lake Lahontan]] (~890 feet deep), the lake area has long been inhabited by the [[Northern Paiute|Paiute]], who ancestrally fished the [[Tui chub]] and [[Lahontan cutthroat trout]] from the lake.<ref name="egan">Egan, Ferol. Sand in a Whirlwind: The Paiute Indian War of 1860. University of Nevada Press: Nevada. {{ISBN|0-87417-097-4}}</ref>


In [[Washoe language|Washo]] the name of the lake is Á’waku dáʔaw, meaning "trout lake."<ref>Natalie E. Davenport (2019). "Naming, Remembering, and Experiencing We’ lmelt’ iʔ [northern Washoe] Cultural Spaces in Wa she shu It Deh [Washoe Land]". ScholarWorks, University of Nevada, Reno. Accessed 1 Jan 2023. p. 194. https://scholarworks.unr.edu/bitstream/handle/11714/6780/Davenport_unr_0139D_13067.pdf</ref>
⚫
Archeological evidence shows that human populations lived in this area between 9500 B.C.E. and 1400 A.D. Excavations have uncovered tools, weapons, clothing, food and mummified bodies in the area.<ref>{{Cite book|last=Wheeler|first=Sessions|title=The Desert Lake|publisher=Caxton Press|year=2001|isbn=0-87004-139-8|location=Caldwell, Idaho|pages=23}}</ref> The Paiute people in this region call themselves ''Cui-ui'' eaters, named after the fish that helped sustain the population. The Native name for the lake is ''Cui-ui Pah.''<ref>{{Cite web|title=8. The People of Pyramid Lake (U.S. National Park Service)|url=https://www.nps.gov/articles/pyramidlakepaiute.htm|access-date=2021-06-04|website=www.nps.gov|language=en}}</ref>


The English name of the lake, given to it by explorer [[John C. Frémont]], comes from the impressive cone- or pyramid-shaped [[tufa]] formations found in the lake and along the shores.<ref name="mojavedesert.net">{{Cite web|url=http://mojavedesert.net/people/fremont.html|title=Mojave Desert - John C. Fremont|website=mojavedesert.net}}</ref>
A tufa rock formation near the lake, called the "Stone Mother," is a central sacred site to the Paiute people of Pyramid Lake and serves as the creation story for the lake.<ref name="Stonemother Story"/>


==History==
⚫
The lake was first mapped by [[John C. Frémont]], an American who gave the lake its English title, in 1844.<ref name="mojavedesert.net">[http://mojavedesert.net/people/fremont.html Mojave Desert: John Charles Fremont (1813–1890)]</ref> The name comes from a large rock formation that resembles a [[Bent Pyramid|bent pyramid]].
⚫
[[File:Pyramid Lake and Truckee River.jpg|thumb|left|upright|Aerial view from the south of the Truckee River where it drains to Pyramid Lake]]
⚫
[[File:Timothy H. O'Sullivan, Tufa Domes, Pyramid Lake, Nevada, 1867, NGA 115375.jpg|thumb|left|Timothy H. O'Sullivan, Tufa Domes, Pyramid Lake, Nevada, 1867]]
[[File:Lake bonneville map.svg|thumb|Lake Lahontan and other Late Pleistocene paleolakes in the Great Basin (such as Lake Bonneville) during the last major global glaciation. Lake Lahontan is shown in the context of western North America and the southern margins of the Laurentide and Cordilleran ice sheets.|alt=]]
A remnant of the [[Pleistocene]] [[Lake Lahontan]] (~{{Convert|890|ft|sp=us|disp=or}} deep), the lake area has long been inhabited by the [[Northern Paiute|Paiute]], who ancestrally fished the [[Tui chub]], [[Cui-ui]], and [[Lahontan cutthroat trout]] from the lake.<ref name="egan">Egan, Ferol. Sand in a Whirlwind: The Paiute Indian War of 1860. University of Nevada Press: Nevada. {{ISBN|0-87417-097-4}}</ref> The [[Shoshone]] and [[Washoe people|Washo]] also regularly fished in the lake. According to traditional narratives, the Washo specifically were given fishing rights in Pyramid Lake after assisting the Paiutes in defeating a nearby tribe of giants.<ref>Natalie E. Davenport (2019). "Naming, Remembering, and Experiencing We’ lmelt’ iʔ [northern Washoe] Cultural Spaces in Wa she shu It Deh [Washoe Land]". ScholarWorks, University of Nevada, Reno. Accessed 1 Jan 2023. p. 87. https://scholarworks.unr.edu/bitstream/handle/11714/6780/Davenport_unr_0139D_13067.pdf</ref>

⚫
Archeological evidence shows that human populations lived in this area between 9500 B.C.E. and 1400 A.D. Excavations have uncovered tools, weapons, clothing, food, and mummified bodies in the area.<ref>{{Cite book|last=Wheeler|first=Sessions|title=The Desert Lake|publisher=Caxton Press|year=2001|isbn=0-87004-139-8|location=Caldwell, Idaho|pages=23}}</ref>

⚫
John C. Frémont was the first non-indigenous person to map the lake.<ref name="mojavedesert.net"/> The name comes from a large rock formation that resembles a [[Bent Pyramid|bent pyramid]].


In the 19th century, two battles were fought near the lake, major actions in the [[Paiute War]]. In the 1960s a marker was placed commemorating these battles.<ref name="video">Pilger, John (1976). [http://www.johnpilger.com/videos/pyramid-lake-is-dying ''Pyramid Lake Is Dying''] UK: ATV Colour Production.</ref>
In the 19th century, two battles were fought near the lake, major actions in the [[Paiute War]]. In the 1960s, a marker was placed commemorating these battles.<ref name="video">Pilger, John (1976). [http://www.johnpilger.com/videos/pyramid-lake-is-dying ''Pyramid Lake Is Dying''] UK: ATV Colour Production.</ref>


[[File:Pyramid Lake water level 1887-2019.png|thumb|Water levels in the years 1887–2019]]
[[File:Pyramid Lake water level 1887-2019.png|thumb|Water levels in the years 1887–2019]]
Because of water diversion beginning in 1905 by [[Derby Dam]] through Truckee Canal to [[Lake Lahontan (reservoir)|Lahontan reservoir]], the lake's existence was threatened, and the Paiute sued the Department of the Interior. By the mid-1970s, the lake had lost 80 feet of depth, and according to Paiute fisheries officials, the life of the lake was seriously under threat. According to documentary filmmaker [[John Pilger]], the irrigation scheme for which water was diverted was an economic failure.<ref name=video/>
Because of water diversion beginning in 1905 by [[Derby Dam]] through Truckee Canal to [[Lake Lahontan (reservoir)|Lahontan reservoir]], the lake's existence was threatened, and the Paiute sued the Department of the Interior. By the mid-1970s, the lake had lost {{Convert|80|ft|sp=us}} of depth, and according to Paiute fisheries officials, the lake's life was seriously under threat. According to documentary filmmaker [[John Pilger]], the irrigation scheme for which water was diverted was an economic failure.<ref name=video/>


;Chronology
;Chronology
* 1860 – [[Paiute War|The Pyramid Lake War]]: Paiute natives and Euro-Americans settlers clashed.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Pyramid Lake War|url=https://www.onlinenevada.org/articles/pyramid-lake-war|url-status=live}}</ref>
* 1860 – [[Paiute War|The Pyramid Lake War]]: Paiute natives and Euro-American settlers clashed.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Pyramid Lake War|url=https://www.onlinenevada.org/articles/pyramid-lake-war}}</ref>
*1903 – Irrigation diversion of the Truckee via the [[Derby Dam]] contributed to the decline and eventual extinction in Pyramid Lake of the [[Lahontan cutthroat trout]], which are now stocked.<ref>{{cite book
*1903 – Irrigation diversion of the Truckee via the [[Derby Dam]] contributed to the decline and eventual extinction in Pyramid Lake of the [[Lahontan cutthroat trout]], which are now stocked.<ref>{{cite book
| url = https://books.google.com/books?id=_YhOieXXzqoC&q=extinction&pg=PA106
| url = https://books.google.com/books?id=_YhOieXXzqoC&q=extinction&pg=PA106
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| page = 96
| page = 96
| isbn = 978-0870041396
| isbn = 978-0870041396
| publisher = [[Caxton Press (United States)|Caxton Press]]
| publisher = [[Caxton Press (United States)|Caxton Press]]
| access-date = 2018-11-02
| access-date = 2018-11-02
}}</ref><ref name="USACE2013" />
}}</ref><ref name="USACE2013" />
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Pyramid Lake is located in southeastern [[Washoe County, Nevada|Washoe County]] in western Nevada. It is in an elongated intermontane basin between the [[Lake Range]] on the east, the [[Virginia Mountains]] on the west, and the [[Pah Rah Range]] on the southwest. The [[Fox Range]] and the [[Smoke Creek Desert]] lie to the north.
Pyramid Lake is located in southeastern [[Washoe County, Nevada|Washoe County]] in western Nevada. It is in an elongated intermontane basin between the [[Lake Range]] on the east, the [[Virginia Mountains]] on the west, and the [[Pah Rah Range]] on the southwest. The [[Fox Range]] and the [[Smoke Creek Desert]] lie to the north.


In a parallel basin to the east of the Lake Range is [[Winnemucca Lake]], now a dry lake bed. Prior to the construction of the [[Derby Dam]] in 1905, both lake levels stood at near {{convert|3880|ft|abbr=on}} above sea level.<ref>''Granite Range, Nevada,'' 1°x1° Topographic Quadrangle, USGS, 1886 and ''Reno, Nevada,'' 30x30 Minute Topographic Quadrangle, USGS, 1891</ref> Following the dam's completion, the water levels dropped to {{convert|3867|ft|abbr=on}} and {{convert|3853|ft|abbr=on}} for Pyramid and Winnemucca, respectively.<ref>''New Wadworth, Nevada,'' 30x30 Minute Topographic Quadrangle, USGS, 1942 reprint of 1894 map with 1911 lake levels</ref> In 1957, the Pyramid Lake level was at {{convert|3802|ft|abbr=on}} and the dry Winnemucca Lake bed at {{convert|3780|ft|abbr=on}}<ref>''Nixon, Nevada.'' 15 Minute Topographic Quadrangle, USGS, 1957</ref> had been dry since the 1930s.
In a parallel basin to the east of the Lake Range is [[Winnemucca Lake]], now a dry lake bed. Prior to the construction of the [[Derby Dam]] in 1905, both lake levels stood at near {{convert|3880|ft|abbr=on}} above sea level.<ref>''Granite Range, Nevada,'' 1°x1° Topographic Quadrangle, USGS, 1886 and ''Reno, Nevada,'' 30x30 Minute Topographic Quadrangle, USGS, 1891</ref> Following the dam's completion, the water levels dropped to {{convert|3867|ft|abbr=on}} and {{convert|3853|ft|abbr=on}} for Pyramid and Winnemucca, respectively.<ref>''New Wadworth, Nevada,'' 30x30 Minute Topographic Quadrangle, USGS, 1942 reprint of 1894 map with 1911 lake levels</ref> In 1957, the Pyramid Lake level was at {{convert|3802|ft|abbr=on}} and the dry Winnemucca Lake bed at {{convert|3780|ft|abbr=on}}<ref>''Nixon, Nevada.'' 15 Minute Topographic Quadrangle, USGS, 1957</ref> had been dry since the 1930s.


Pyramid Lake is the largest remnant of ancient [[Lake Lahontan]], which covered much of northwestern Nevada at the end of the last [[ice age]]. It was the deepest point of Lake Lahontan, reaching an estimated {{convert|890|ft|m}} due to its low level relative to the surrounding basins.
Pyramid Lake is the largest remnant of ancient [[Lake Lahontan]], which covered much of northwestern Nevada at the end of the last [[ice age]]. It was the deepest point of Lake Lahontan, reaching an estimated {{convert|890|ft|m}} due to its low level relative to the surrounding basins.
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[[Sutcliffe, Nevada|Sutcliffe]] is on the west shore of Pyramid Lake along [[Nevada State Route 445|State Route 445]]. [[Nixon, Nevada|Nixon]] is on the Truckee River to the southeast of the lake on [[Nevada State Route 447|State Route 447]].<ref>''Reno, Nevada,'' 30x60 Minute Topographic Quadrangle, USGS, 1980</ref>
[[Sutcliffe, Nevada|Sutcliffe]] is on the west shore of Pyramid Lake along [[Nevada State Route 445|State Route 445]]. [[Nixon, Nevada|Nixon]] is on the Truckee River to the southeast of the lake on [[Nevada State Route 447|State Route 447]].<ref>''Reno, Nevada,'' 30x60 Minute Topographic Quadrangle, USGS, 1980</ref>


The name of the lake comes from the impressive cone- or pyramid-shaped [[tufa]] formations found in the lake and along the shores. The largest such formation, [[Anaho Island]], is home to a large colony of [[American white pelican]]s and is restricted for ecological reasons. Access to the Needles, another spectacular tufa formation at the northern end of the lake, has also been restricted due to recent vandalism.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://zephyr.unr.edu/zephyr/04_spring_pages/story5/Mueller_Pyramid.html |title=Reno's best kept secret |access-date=2007-11-09 |last=Mueller |first=Michael D. |date=2004-04-21 |publisher=Zephyr |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070711012932/http://zephyr.unr.edu/zephyr/04_spring_pages/story5/Mueller_Pyramid.html |archive-date=2007-07-11 }} (dead link: )</ref>
The largest tufa formation, [[Anaho Island]], is home to a large colony of [[American white pelican]]s and is restricted for ecological reasons. Access to the Needles, another spectacular tufa formation at the northern end of the lake, has also been restricted due to recent vandalism.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://zephyr.unr.edu/zephyr/04_spring_pages/story5/Mueller_Pyramid.html |title=Reno's best kept secret |access-date=2007-11-09 |last=Mueller |first=Michael D. |date=2004-04-21 |publisher=Zephyr |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070711012932/http://zephyr.unr.edu/zephyr/04_spring_pages/story5/Mueller_Pyramid.html |archive-date=2007-07-11 }} (dead link: )</ref>

[[File:Pyramid Lake Sagebrush in bloom.jpg|thumb|Sagebrush in bloom along lakeshore, October 2023]]

[[File:Tufa Pyramid Lake.jpg|thumb|Indian Head Rock on the southwestern shore, October 2023. Tufa formations dot the lakeshore.]]


===The Pyramid===
===The Pyramid===
The Pyramid ({{coord|39|58|48|N|119|30|06|W|display=inline}}), also known as Fremonts Pyramid and Pyramid Island, is a small island near the southeastern shore of the lake.<ref>{{gnis|id = 848623|name = The Pyramid}}</ref> It is located approximately 1.2&nbsp;miles northeast of [[Anaho Island]] and slightly less than six miles from the community of Sutcliffe. The white band seen to the east of the island is composed of [[calcium carbonate]] which came from when the lake was at or near its overflow point.<ref>{{cite web|title=The Tufas of Pyramid Lake, Nevada|url=https://pubs.usgs.gov/circ/2004/1267/#N10031|website=pubs.usgs.gov|author=Larry Benson}}</ref>
The Pyramid ({{coord|39|58|48|N|119|30|06|W|display=inline}}), also known as Fremont's Pyramid and Pyramid Island, is a small island near the southeastern shore of the lake.<ref>{{gnis|id = 848623|name = The Pyramid}}</ref> It is located approximately {{Convert|1.2|mi|round=0.5}} northeast of [[Anaho Island]] and slightly less than {{Convert|6|mi|round=0.5|spell=in}} from the community of Sutcliffe. The white band seen to the east of the island is composed of [[calcium carbonate]] which came from when the lake was at or near its overflow point.<ref>{{cite web|title=The Tufas of Pyramid Lake, Nevada|url=https://pubs.usgs.gov/circ/2004/1267/#N10031|website=pubs.usgs.gov|author=Larry Benson}}</ref>


==Fish==
==Fish==


Major fish species include the [[Cui-ui]] lakesucker, which is endemic to Pyramid Lake, the [[Tui chub]] and [[Lahontan cutthroat trout]] (the world record cutthroat trout was caught in Pyramid Lake). The former is [[endangered species|endangered]], and the latter is [[Threatened species|threatened]]. Both species were of critical importance to the [[Paiute Indian Tribe of Utah|Paiute]] people in pre-contact times.<ref name="egan"/> The Lahontan cutthroat was called "Hoopagaih" by the Paiute people.<ref>{{Cite book|last=Wheeler|first=Sessions|title=The Desert Lake|publisher=Caxton Press|year=2001|isbn=0-87004-139-8|location=Caldwell, Idaho|pages=92}}</ref> As they are both obligate freshwater spawners, they rely on sufficient inflow to allow them to run up the Truckee River to spawn, otherwise their [[egg (biology)|eggs]] will not hatch.<ref name="USACE2013">{{cite report
Major fish species include the [[Cui-ui]] lakesucker, which is endemic to Pyramid Lake, the [[Tui chub]] and [[Lahontan cutthroat trout]] (the world record cutthroat trout was caught in Pyramid Lake). The former is [[endangered species|endangered]], and the latter is [[Threatened species|threatened]]. Both species were critical to the [[Paiute Indian Tribe of Utah|Paiute]] people in pre-contact times.<ref name="egan"/> The Lahontan cutthroat was called "Hoopagaih" by the Paiute people.<ref>{{Cite book|last=Wheeler|first=Sessions|title=The Desert Lake|publisher=Caxton Press|year=2001|isbn=0-87004-139-8|location=Caldwell, Idaho|pages=92}}</ref> As they are both obligate freshwater spawners, they rely on sufficient inflow to allow them to run up the Truckee River to spawn, otherwise their [[egg (biology)|eggs]] will not hatch.<ref name="USACE2013">{{cite report
| url = https://www.spk.usace.army.mil/Portals/12/documents/usace_project_public_notices/TruckeeMeadows_DraftEIS_Vol-I_May2013.pdf
| url = https://www.spk.usace.army.mil/Portals/12/documents/usace_project_public_notices/TruckeeMeadows_DraftEIS_Vol-I_May2013.pdf
| title = Draft Environmental Impact Statement for the Truckee Meadows Flood Control Project Nevada, General Reevaluation Report
| title = Draft Environmental Impact Statement for the Truckee Meadows Flood Control Project Nevada, General Reevaluation Report
Line 101: Line 122:
| access-date = 2018-11-02}}</ref>
| access-date = 2018-11-02}}</ref>


Diversion of the Truckee for [[irrigation]] at [[Derby Dam]] beginning in 1905 reduced inflow and the lake level to such an extent that stream flow is rarely sufficient for spawning. The Truckee Canal diverts water used to irrigate croplands in Fallon. The dam lacks [[fish ladder]]s which prevents upstream spawning. By 1939 the [[Lahontan cutthroat trout]] (the "salmon-trout" as described by Frémont) became extinct in Pyramid Lake and its tributaries. They were replaced with hatchery trout from outside the watershed.<ref name="Peacock2017">{{cite journal
Diversion of the Truckee for [[irrigation]] at [[Derby Dam]] beginning in 1905 reduced inflow and the lake level to such an extent that stream flow is rarely sufficient for spawning. The Truckee Canal diverts water used to irrigate croplands in Fallon. The dam lacks [[fish ladder]]s, which prevents upstream spawning. By 1939 the [[Lahontan cutthroat trout]] (the "salmon-trout" as described by Frémont) became extinct in Pyramid Lake and its tributaries. They were replaced with hatchery trout from outside the watershed.<ref name="Peacock2017">{{cite journal
| publisher = Royal Society Publishing
| publisher = Royal Society Publishing
| journal = [[Royal Society Open Science]]
| journal = [[Royal Society Open Science]]
Line 130: Line 151:
}}</ref><ref name=COmem>{{cite web |url=http://www.coloradotu.org/2013/10/farewell-to-a-legend/ |title=Farewell to a Legend |publisher=Colorado Trout Unlimited |access-date=2013-11-10 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160304071139/http://coloradotu.org/2013/10/farewell-to-a-legend/ |archive-date = 2016-03-04}}</ref>
}}</ref><ref name=COmem>{{cite web |url=http://www.coloradotu.org/2013/10/farewell-to-a-legend/ |title=Farewell to a Legend |publisher=Colorado Trout Unlimited |access-date=2013-11-10 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160304071139/http://coloradotu.org/2013/10/farewell-to-a-legend/ |archive-date = 2016-03-04}}</ref>


Subsequent DNA testing of a museum specimen has shown his identification to be correct. The fish had apparently been dumped in the creek in the early 20th century. A brood stock was raised at the [[U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service]]'s Lahontan National Fish Hatchery in [[Gardnerville, Nevada]] and a successful reintroduction effort was mounted by the USFWS and the [[Pyramid Lake Indian Reservation|Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe]]. As of 2017, 24 pound Pyramid Lake Lahontan cutthroat trout are again being caught from the Lake's waters.<ref name="Peacock2017"/><ref>{{cite web
Subsequent DNA testing of a museum specimen has shown his identification to be correct. The fish had been dumped in the creek in the early 20th century. A brood stock was raised at the [[U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service]]'s Lahontan National Fish Hatchery in [[Gardnerville, Nevada]], and a successful reintroduction effort was mounted by the USFWS and the [[Pyramid Lake Indian Reservation|Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe]]. As of 2017, 24 pound Pyramid Lake Lahontan cutthroat trout are again being caught from the Lake's waters.<ref name="Peacock2017"/><ref>{{cite web
| url = https://www.fws.gov/lahontannfhc/
| url = https://www.fws.gov/lahontannfhc/
| publisher = [[Fish and Wildlife Service]]
| publisher = [[Fish and Wildlife Service]]
Line 140: Line 161:
== Climate ==
== Climate ==
The following data are for the [[census-designated place]] (CDP) of Sutcliffe, NV, located on the shore of Pyramid Lake.
The following data are for the [[census-designated place]] (CDP) of Sutcliffe, NV, located on the shore of Pyramid Lake.
{{Weather box||collapsed = Yes
{{Weather box|Jan record high F=65|Feb record high F=73|Mar record high F=76|Apr record high F=92|May record high F=99|Jun record high F=103|Jul record high F=105|Aug record high F=103|Sep record high F=98|Oct record high F=90|Nov record high F=79|Dec record high F=73|Jan high F=44.3|Feb high F=47.7|Mar high F=55.2|Apr high F=61.5|May high F=70.0|Jun high F=79.8|Jul high F=88.8|Aug high F=87.4|Sep high F=78.5|Oct high F=65.5|Nov high F=53.2|Dec high F=45.0|Jan low F=29.0|Feb low F=31.2|Mar low F=35.8|Apr low F=40.0|May low F=47.5|Jun low F=55.4|Jul low F=63.3|Aug low F=62.8|Sep low F=55.3|Oct low F=45.2|Nov low F=36.3|Dec low F=29.6|Jan record low F=9|Feb record low F=-4|Mar record low F=10|Apr record low F=22|May record low F=28|Jun record low F=36|Jul record low F=46|Aug record low F=43|Sep record low F=29|Oct record low F=14|Nov record low F=14|Dec record low F=-8|Jan precipitation inch=1.35|Feb precipitation inch=0.76|Mar precipitation inch=0.70|Apr precipitation inch=0.44|May precipitation inch=0.63|Jun precipitation inch=0.56|Jul precipitation inch=0.17|Aug precipitation inch=0.18|Sep precipitation inch=0.26|Oct precipitation inch=0.46|Nov precipitation inch=0.85|Dec precipitation inch=0.95|Jan snow inch=2.0|Feb snow inch=1.3|Mar snow inch=0.7|Apr snow inch=0.2|May snow inch=0|Jun snow inch=0|Jul snow inch=0|Aug snow inch=0|Sep snow inch=0|Oct snow inch=0.1|Nov snow inch=0.3|Dec snow inch=0.9|single line=Y|source 1=http://www.wrcc.dri.edu/cgi-bin/cliMAIN.pl?nv7953|location=Sutcliffe, NV|precipitation colour=green}}
|Jan record high F=65|Feb record high F=73|Mar record high F=76|Apr record high F=92|May record high F=99|Jun record high F=103|Jul record high F=105|Aug record high F=103|Sep record high F=98|Oct record high F=90|Nov record high F=79|Dec record high F=73|Jan high F=44.3|Feb high F=47.7|Mar high F=55.2|Apr high F=61.5|May high F=70.0|Jun high F=79.8|Jul high F=88.8|Aug high F=87.4|Sep high F=78.5|Oct high F=65.5|Nov high F=53.2|Dec high F=45.0|Jan low F=29.0|Feb low F=31.2|Mar low F=35.8|Apr low F=40.0|May low F=47.5|Jun low F=55.4|Jul low F=63.3|Aug low F=62.8|Sep low F=55.3|Oct low F=45.2|Nov low F=36.3|Dec low F=29.6|Jan record low F=9|Feb record low F=-4|Mar record low F=10|Apr record low F=22|May record low F=28|Jun record low F=36|Jul record low F=46|Aug record low F=43|Sep record low F=29|Oct record low F=14|Nov record low F=14|Dec record low F=-8|Jan precipitation inch=1.35|Feb precipitation inch=0.76|Mar precipitation inch=0.70|Apr precipitation inch=0.44|May precipitation inch=0.63|Jun precipitation inch=0.56|Jul precipitation inch=0.17|Aug precipitation inch=0.18|Sep precipitation inch=0.26|Oct precipitation inch=0.46|Nov precipitation inch=0.85|Dec precipitation inch=0.95|Jan snow inch=2.0|Feb snow inch=1.3|Mar snow inch=0.7|Apr snow inch=0.2|May snow inch=0|Jun snow inch=0|Jul snow inch=0|Aug snow inch=0|Sep snow inch=0|Oct snow inch=0.1|Nov snow inch=0.3|Dec snow inch=0.9|single line=Y|source 1=http://www.wrcc.dri.edu/cgi-bin/cliMAIN.pl?nv7953|location=Sutcliffe, NV|}}

At 8b the [[hardiness zone]] of the lake area is the highest in northern Nevada.<ref>[https://planthardiness.ars.usda.gov/ USDA Plant hardiness]</ref>


==Water quality==
==Water quality==
Because of the endangered species present and because the [[Lake Tahoe]] Basin comprises the headwaters of the Truckee River, Pyramid Lake has been the focus of several water quality investigations, the most detailed starting in the mid-1980s. Under direction of the [[United States Environmental Protection Agency|U.S. Environmental Protection Agency]], a comprehensive dynamic water quality [[computer model]], the [[DSSAM Model]] was developed<ref name="C.M.Hogan 1987"/> to analyze impacts of a variety of land use and [[Sewage treatment|wastewater management]] decisions throughout the {{convert|3120|sqmi|km2|adj=on}} [[Truckee River]] Basin. [[Analyte]]s addressed included [[nitrogen]], reactive [[phosphate]], [[total dissolved solids]], [[dissolved oxygen]] and nine other parameters. Based upon use of the model, some decisions have been influenced to enhance Pyramid Lake water quality and aid the viability of Pyramid Lake [[Biota (ecology)|biota]]. Another contaminant of interest is [[Mercury (element)|mercury]], introduced to Pyramid Lake from the Truckee River.<ref name=":0">{{Cite journal|last1=Blum|first1=Mitchell|last2=Gustin|first2=Mae Sexauer|last3=Swanson|first3=Sherman|last4=Donaldson|first4=Susan G.|date=August 2001|title=Mercury in Water and Sediment of Steamboat Creek, Nevada: Implications for Stream Restoration|journal=Journal of the American Water Resources Association |language=en|volume=37|issue=4|pages=795–804|doi=10.1111/j.1752-1688.2001.tb05512.x|bibcode=2001JAWRA..37..795B| s2cid=128613091 }}</ref> It is suggested that mercury remediation efforts be carefully considered such that methylmercury production are not enhanced.<ref name=":0" />
Because of the endangered species present and because the [[Lake Tahoe]] Basin comprises the headwaters of the Truckee River, Pyramid Lake has been the focus of several water quality investigations, the most detailed starting in the mid-1980s. Under direction of the [[United States Environmental Protection Agency|U.S. Environmental Protection Agency]], a comprehensive dynamic water quality [[computer model]], the [[DSSAM Model]] was developed<ref name="C.M.Hogan 1987"/> to analyze impacts of a variety of land use and [[Sewage treatment|wastewater management]] decisions throughout the {{convert|3120|sqmi|km2|adj=on}} [[Truckee River]] Basin. [[Analyte]]s addressed included [[nitrogen]], reactive [[phosphate]], [[total dissolved solids]], [[dissolved oxygen]] and nine other parameters. Based on the use of the model, some decisions have been influenced to enhance Pyramid Lake water quality and aid the viability of Pyramid Lake [[Biota (ecology)|biota]]. Another contaminant of interest is [[Mercury (element)|mercury]], introduced to Pyramid Lake from the Truckee River.<ref name=":0">{{Cite journal|last1=Blum|first1=Mitchell|last2=Gustin|first2=Mae Sexauer|last3=Swanson|first3=Sherman|last4=Donaldson|first4=Susan G.|date=August 2001|title=Mercury in Water and Sediment of Steamboat Creek, Nevada: Implications for Stream Restoration|journal=Journal of the American Water Resources Association |language=en|volume=37|issue=4|pages=795–804|doi=10.1111/j.1752-1688.2001.tb05512.x|bibcode=2001JAWRA..37..795B| s2cid=128613091 }}</ref> It is suggested that mercury remediation efforts be carefully considered such that [[methylmercury]] production is not enhanced.<ref name=":0" />


Salinity increased from 3.7 to 5 g/l and the [[pH]] level is about 9. Temperature ranges between near freezing ({{cvt|32|°F|||}}) to over {{cvt|20|°C|order=flip||}}.<ref name="ilec">{{cite web |url= http://wldb.ilec.or.jp/data/databook_html/nam/nam-23.html |title=PYRAMID LAKE |work=wldb.ilec.or.jp |access-date=13 September 2017}}</ref>
Salinity increased from {{Convert|3.7 to 5|g/L|oz/USgal|1|order=flip}}, and the [[pH]] level is about 9. Temperature ranges between near freezing ({{cvt|32|°F|||}}) to over {{cvt|20|°C|order=flip||}}.<ref name="ilec">{{cite web |url= http://wldb.ilec.or.jp/data/databook_html/nam/nam-23.html |title=PYRAMID LAKE |work=wldb.ilec.or.jp |access-date=13 September 2017}}</ref>
{{wide image|Pyramid Lake, Nevada - 2013.jpg|1000px|Pyramid Lake in 2013}}
{{wide image|Pyramid Lake, Nevada - 2013.jpg|800px|Pyramid Lake in 2013}}


==Media==
==Media==
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{{Portal|Nevada|Lakes}}
{{Portal|Nevada|Lakes}}


⚫
{{commons category|Pyramid Lake (Nevada)}}
* [[Black Rock Desert]]
* [[Black Rock Desert]]
* [[Carson Sink]]
* [[Carson Sink]]
Line 165: Line 188:


==External links==
==External links==
⚫
{{commons category|Pyramid Lake (Nevada)}}
*{{official|url=https://pyramidlake.us/}}
*{{official website|url=https://pyramidlake.us/}}
*[https://pyramidlake.us/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/2019_Open_Beaches_Map.pdf Map of Public Beaches and restricted areas on Pyramid Lake]
*[https://pyramidlake.us/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/2019_Open_Beaches_Map.pdf Map of Public Beaches and restricted areas on Pyramid Lake]


Latest revision as of 05:15, 29 October 2024

This article is about the lake in Nevada. For other uses, see Pyramid Lake.
Pyramid Lake
refer to caption
The tufa formation that gives Pyramid Lake its name.
refer to caption
refer to caption
Pyramid Lake
Location in Nevada
refer to caption
refer to caption
Pyramid Lake
Pyramid Lake (the United States)
LocationWashoe County, Nevada, United States
Coordinates40°03′45″N 119°33′49″W / 40.06250°N 119.56361°W / 40.06250; -119.56361
Lake typeendorheic salt lake
Etymologypyramidal limestone columns
Primary inflowsTruckee River
Catchment area1,825.8 sq mi (4,729 km2)
Max. length29.8 mi (48.0 km)
Max. width8.7 mi (14.0 km)
Surface area188 sq mi (490 km2)
Max. depth356 ft (109 m)
Water volume23,660,000 acre-feet (29.18 km3)
Surface elevation3,796 ft (1,157 m) (1980 data)[1]
IslandsAnaho Island
ReferencesGNIS ID: 856349[1]
Reference no.18

Pyramid Lake is the geographic sink of the basin of the Truckee River, 40 mi (64 km) northeast of Reno, Nevada, United States.

Pyramid Lake is the biggest remnant of ancient Lake Lahontan, the inland sea that once covered much of western Nevada.[2] It is approximately 27 miles (43 km) long and 11 miles (18 km) wide, with a perimeter of 71 miles (114 km), covering 112,000 acres (45,000 ha) acres entirely enclosed within the Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe Reservation.[3]

Pyramid Lake is fed by the Truckee River, which is mostly the outflow from Lake Tahoe. The Truckee River enters Pyramid Lake at its southern end. Pyramid Lake is an endorheic lake, with water leaving only by evaporation or sub-surface seepage. The lake has about 10% of the area of the Great Salt Lake, but it has about 25% more volume. The salinity is approximately 1/6 that of sea water. Although clear Lake Tahoe forms the headwaters that drain to Pyramid Lake, the Truckee River delivers more turbid waters to Pyramid Lake after traversing the steep Sierra terrain and collecting moderately high silt-loaded surface runoff.

The north and east sides of the lake have been restricted to the public and non-Tribal members since 2011, when the Tribal Nation made the decision to close these areas due to the desecration of sacred sites. When visiting, it is recommended to take note of the Tribal protocols and restricted areas.[2]

Name

[edit]

In Northern Paiute language it is called Kooyooe (Cui-ui) Panunadu or Kooyooe Pa'a Panunadu after the cui-ui fish, which helped sustain the populations around the lake.[4] In fact, a major band of Northern Paiute (endonym: Numu) people whose ancestors lived around the lake call themselves the Kooyooe Tukadu, "cui-ui eaters."[5]

In Washo the name of the lake is Á’waku dáʔaw, meaning "trout lake."[6]

The English name of the lake, given to it by explorer John C. Frémont, comes from the impressive cone- or pyramid-shaped tufa formations found in the lake and along the shores.[7]

History

[edit]
Aerial view from the south of the Truckee River where it drains to Pyramid Lake
Timothy H. O'Sullivan, Tufa Domes, Pyramid Lake, Nevada, 1867
Lake Lahontan and other Late Pleistocene paleolakes in the Great Basin (such as Lake Bonneville) during the last major global glaciation. Lake Lahontan is shown in the context of western North America and the southern margins of the Laurentide and Cordilleran ice sheets.

A remnant of the Pleistocene Lake Lahontan (~890 feet or 270 meters deep), the lake area has long been inhabited by the Paiute, who ancestrally fished the Tui chub, Cui-ui, and Lahontan cutthroat trout from the lake.[8] The Shoshone and Washo also regularly fished in the lake. According to traditional narratives, the Washo specifically were given fishing rights in Pyramid Lake after assisting the Paiutes in defeating a nearby tribe of giants.[9]

Archeological evidence shows that human populations lived in this area between 9500 B.C.E. and 1400 A.D. Excavations have uncovered tools, weapons, clothing, food, and mummified bodies in the area.[10]

John C. Frémont was the first non-indigenous person to map the lake.[7] The name comes from a large rock formation that resembles a bent pyramid.

In the 19th century, two battles were fought near the lake, major actions in the Paiute War. In the 1960s, a marker was placed commemorating these battles.[11]

Water levels in the years 1887–2019

Because of water diversion beginning in 1905 by Derby Dam through Truckee Canal to Lahontan reservoir, the lake's existence was threatened, and the Paiute sued the Department of the Interior. By the mid-1970s, the lake had lost 80 feet (24 m) of depth, and according to Paiute fisheries officials, the lake's life was seriously under threat. According to documentary filmmaker John Pilger, the irrigation scheme for which water was diverted was an economic failure.[11]

Chronology
  • 1860 – The Pyramid Lake War: Paiute natives and Euro-American settlers clashed.[12]
  • 1903 – Irrigation diversion of the Truckee via the Derby Dam contributed to the decline and eventual extinction in Pyramid Lake of the Lahontan cutthroat trout, which are now stocked.[13][14]
  • 1936 – The Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe approved their constitution and by-laws.[15]
  • 1987 – A water quality model was completed for the Truckee River.[16]

Geography

[edit]

Pyramid Lake is located in southeastern Washoe County in western Nevada. It is in an elongated intermontane basin between the Lake Range on the east, the Virginia Mountains on the west, and the Pah Rah Range on the southwest. The Fox Range and the Smoke Creek Desert lie to the north.

In a parallel basin to the east of the Lake Range is Winnemucca Lake, now a dry lake bed. Prior to the construction of the Derby Dam in 1905, both lake levels stood at near 3,880 ft (1,180 m) above sea level.[17] Following the dam's completion, the water levels dropped to 3,867 ft (1,179 m) and 3,853 ft (1,174 m) for Pyramid and Winnemucca, respectively.[18] In 1957, the Pyramid Lake level was at 3,802 ft (1,159 m) and the dry Winnemucca Lake bed at 3,780 ft (1,150 m)[19] had been dry since the 1930s.

Pyramid Lake is the largest remnant of ancient Lake Lahontan, which covered much of northwestern Nevada at the end of the last ice age. It was the deepest point of Lake Lahontan, reaching an estimated 890 feet (270 m) due to its low level relative to the surrounding basins.

Sutcliffe is on the west shore of Pyramid Lake along State Route 445. Nixon is on the Truckee River to the southeast of the lake on State Route 447.[20]

The largest tufa formation, Anaho Island, is home to a large colony of American white pelicans and is restricted for ecological reasons. Access to the Needles, another spectacular tufa formation at the northern end of the lake, has also been restricted due to recent vandalism.[21]

Sagebrush in bloom along lakeshore, October 2023
Indian Head Rock on the southwestern shore, October 2023. Tufa formations dot the lakeshore.

The Pyramid

[edit]

The Pyramid (39°58′48″N 119°30′06″W / 39.98000°N 119.50167°W / 39.98000; -119.50167), also known as Fremont's Pyramid and Pyramid Island, is a small island near the southeastern shore of the lake.[22] It is located approximately 1.2 miles (2 km) northeast of Anaho Island and slightly less than six miles (9.5 km) from the community of Sutcliffe. The white band seen to the east of the island is composed of calcium carbonate which came from when the lake was at or near its overflow point.[23]

Fish

[edit]

Major fish species include the Cui-ui lakesucker, which is endemic to Pyramid Lake, the Tui chub and Lahontan cutthroat trout (the world record cutthroat trout was caught in Pyramid Lake). The former is endangered, and the latter is threatened. Both species were critical to the Paiute people in pre-contact times.[8] The Lahontan cutthroat was called "Hoopagaih" by the Paiute people.[24] As they are both obligate freshwater spawners, they rely on sufficient inflow to allow them to run up the Truckee River to spawn, otherwise their eggs will not hatch.[14]

Diversion of the Truckee for irrigation at Derby Dam beginning in 1905 reduced inflow and the lake level to such an extent that stream flow is rarely sufficient for spawning. The Truckee Canal diverts water used to irrigate croplands in Fallon. The dam lacks fish ladders, which prevents upstream spawning. By 1939 the Lahontan cutthroat trout (the "salmon-trout" as described by Frémont) became extinct in Pyramid Lake and its tributaries. They were replaced with hatchery trout from outside the watershed.[25]

However, in 1979 a remnant population of the original Pyramid Lake cutthroat trout was discovered in a small brook on Pilot Peak, on the Nevada/Utah border, by Dr. Robert Behnke of Colorado State University while he was looking for the Bonneville cutthroat trout, another subspecies of the cutthroat trout. The fish were tiny and in poor condition, but Behnke identified the fingerlings as the missing Pyramid Lake variety.[26][27]

Subsequent DNA testing of a museum specimen has shown his identification to be correct. The fish had been dumped in the creek in the early 20th century. A brood stock was raised at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's Lahontan National Fish Hatchery in Gardnerville, Nevada, and a successful reintroduction effort was mounted by the USFWS and the Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe. As of 2017, 24 pound Pyramid Lake Lahontan cutthroat trout are again being caught from the Lake's waters.[25][28]

The fish are doing very well, according to the USFWS project head Lisa Heki. The fish have also been placed in California's Fallen Leaf Lake, upstream of Pyramid Lake, and elsewhere. Fish populations are now sustained by several tribally-run fish hatcheries and state and federal agencies.[29] The Pyramid Lake Lahontan cutthroat trout is one of the largest inland trout species in the world.[30]

Climate

[edit]

The following data are for the census-designated place (CDP) of Sutcliffe, NV, located on the shore of Pyramid Lake.

Climate data for Sutcliffe, NV
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year
Record high °F (°C) 65
(18) 		73
(23) 		76
(24) 		92
(33) 		99
(37) 		103
(39) 		105
(41) 		103
(39) 		98
(37) 		90
(32) 		79
(26) 		73
(23) 		105
(41)
Mean daily maximum °F (°C) 44.3
(6.8) 		47.7
(8.7) 		55.2
(12.9) 		61.5
(16.4) 		70.0
(21.1) 		79.8
(26.6) 		88.8
(31.6) 		87.4
(30.8) 		78.5
(25.8) 		65.5
(18.6) 		53.2
(11.8) 		45.0
(7.2) 		64.7
(18.2)
Mean daily minimum °F (°C) 29.0
(−1.7) 		31.2
(−0.4) 		35.8
(2.1) 		40.0
(4.4) 		47.5
(8.6) 		55.4
(13.0) 		63.3
(17.4) 		62.8
(17.1) 		55.3
(12.9) 		45.2
(7.3) 		36.3
(2.4) 		29.6
(−1.3) 		44.3
(6.8)
Record low °F (°C) 9
(−13) 		−4
(−20) 		10
(−12) 		22
(−6) 		28
(−2) 		36
(2) 		46
(8) 		43
(6) 		29
(−2) 		14
(−10) 		14
(−10) 		−8
(−22) 		−8
(−22)
Average precipitation inches (mm) 1.35
(34) 		0.76
(19) 		0.70
(18) 		0.44
(11) 		0.63
(16) 		0.56
(14) 		0.17
(4.3) 		0.18
(4.6) 		0.26
(6.6) 		0.46
(12) 		0.85
(22) 		0.95
(24) 		7.31
(185.5)
Average snowfall inches (cm) 2.0
(5.1) 		1.3
(3.3) 		0.7
(1.8) 		0.2
(0.51) 		0
(0) 		0
(0) 		0
(0) 		0
(0) 		0
(0) 		0.1
(0.25) 		0.3
(0.76) 		0.9
(2.3) 		5.5
(14.02)
Source: http://www.wrcc.dri.edu/cgi-bin/cliMAIN.pl?nv7953

At 8b the hardiness zone of the lake area is the highest in northern Nevada.[31]

Water quality

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Because of the endangered species present and because the Lake Tahoe Basin comprises the headwaters of the Truckee River, Pyramid Lake has been the focus of several water quality investigations, the most detailed starting in the mid-1980s. Under direction of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, a comprehensive dynamic water quality computer model, the DSSAM Model was developed[16] to analyze impacts of a variety of land use and wastewater management decisions throughout the 3,120-square-mile (8,100 km2) Truckee River Basin. Analytes addressed included nitrogen, reactive phosphate, total dissolved solids, dissolved oxygen and nine other parameters. Based on the use of the model, some decisions have been influenced to enhance Pyramid Lake water quality and aid the viability of Pyramid Lake biota. Another contaminant of interest is mercury, introduced to Pyramid Lake from the Truckee River.[32] It is suggested that mercury remediation efforts be carefully considered such that methylmercury production is not enhanced.[32]

Salinity increased from 0.5 to 0.7 ounces per US gallon (3.7 to 5 g/L), and the pH level is about 9. Temperature ranges between near freezing (32 °F (0 °C)) to over 68 °F (20 °C).[33]

Pyramid Lake in 2013

Media

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Pyramid Lake was used as a stand-in for the Sea of Galilee in the 1965 biblical film, The Greatest Story Ever Told.[34] Also, in 1961, part of The Misfits was filmed nearby.[35]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ a b "Query Form For The United States And Its Territories". U.S. Board on Geographic Names. Retrieved 2010-05-18.
    U.S. Geological Survey Geographic Names Information System: Pyramid Lake (856349); The Pyramid (848623), The Needle Rocks (847213)
  2. ^ a b "Pyramid Lake Nevada | The official site for the Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe, Nevada". Retrieved 2021-01-31.
  3. ^ "Home". Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe.
  4. ^ Jennifer Theresa Kent (2021). "Reclaiming the land, remapping history," Nevada Today. University of Nevada, Reno. Accessed 1 Jan 2023. https://www.unr.edu/nevada-today/news/2021/autumn-harry-remapping-history
  5. ^ Ginny Bengston (2002). Northern Paiute and Western Shoshone Land Use in Northern Nevada: A Class I Ethnographic/Ethnohistoric Overview. SWCA Environmental Consultants. p. 6. Retrieved 2023-1-1.https://www.blm.gov/sites/default/files/documents/files/Library_Nevada_CulturalResourceSeries12.pdf
  6. ^ Natalie E. Davenport (2019). "Naming, Remembering, and Experiencing We’ lmelt’ iʔ [northern Washoe] Cultural Spaces in Wa she shu It Deh [Washoe Land]". ScholarWorks, University of Nevada, Reno. Accessed 1 Jan 2023. p. 194. https://scholarworks.unr.edu/bitstream/handle/11714/6780/Davenport_unr_0139D_13067.pdf
  7. ^ a b "Mojave Desert - John C. Fremont". mojavedesert.net.
  8. ^ a b Egan, Ferol. Sand in a Whirlwind: The Paiute Indian War of 1860. University of Nevada Press: Nevada. ISBN 0-87417-097-4
  9. ^ Natalie E. Davenport (2019). "Naming, Remembering, and Experiencing We’ lmelt’ iʔ [northern Washoe] Cultural Spaces in Wa she shu It Deh [Washoe Land]". ScholarWorks, University of Nevada, Reno. Accessed 1 Jan 2023. p. 87. https://scholarworks.unr.edu/bitstream/handle/11714/6780/Davenport_unr_0139D_13067.pdf
  10. ^ Wheeler, Sessions (2001). The Desert Lake. Caldwell, Idaho: Caxton Press. p. 23. ISBN 0-87004-139-8.
  11. ^ a b Pilger, John (1976). Pyramid Lake Is Dying UK: ATV Colour Production.
  12. ^ "Pyramid Lake War".
  13. ^ Wheeler, Sessions S. (1967). The Desert Lake: The Story of Nevada's Pyramid Lake. Caxton Press. p. 96. ISBN 978-0870041396. Retrieved 2018-11-02.
  14. ^ a b Draft Environmental Impact Statement for the Truckee Meadows Flood Control Project Nevada, General Reevaluation Report (PDF) (Report). Vol. 1. US Army Corps of Engineers. May 2013. p. 9. Retrieved 2018-11-02.
  15. ^ "Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe". Retrieved 2010-05-30.
  16. ^ a b C.M.Hogan,Marc Papineau et al. Development of a dynamic water quality simulation model for the Truckee River, Earth Metrics Inc., Environmental Protection Agency Technology Series, Washington D.C. (1987)
  17. ^ Granite Range, Nevada, 1°x1° Topographic Quadrangle, USGS, 1886 and Reno, Nevada, 30x30 Minute Topographic Quadrangle, USGS, 1891
  18. ^ New Wadworth, Nevada, 30x30 Minute Topographic Quadrangle, USGS, 1942 reprint of 1894 map with 1911 lake levels
  19. ^ Nixon, Nevada. 15 Minute Topographic Quadrangle, USGS, 1957
  20. ^ Reno, Nevada, 30x60 Minute Topographic Quadrangle, USGS, 1980
  21. ^ Mueller, Michael D. (2004-04-21). "Reno's best kept secret". Zephyr. Archived from the original on 2007-07-11. Retrieved 2007-11-09. (dead link: )
  22. ^ U.S. Geological Survey Geographic Names Information System: The Pyramid
  23. ^ Larry Benson. "The Tufas of Pyramid Lake, Nevada". pubs.usgs.gov.
  24. ^ Wheeler, Sessions (2001). The Desert Lake. Caldwell, Idaho: Caxton Press. p. 92. ISBN 0-87004-139-8.
  25. ^ a b Peacock, Mary M.; Hekkala, Evon R.; Kirchoff, Veronica S.; Heki, Lisa G. (2017). "Return of a giant: DNA from archival museum samples helps to identify a unique cutthroat trout lineage formerly thought to be extinct". Royal Society Open Science. 4 (11). Royal Society Publishing: 171253. doi:10.1098/rsos.171253. PMC 5717685. PMID 29291110.
  26. ^ Hickman, Terry J.; Behnke, Robert J. (1979). "Probable Discovery of the Original Pyramid Lake Cutthroat Trout". The Progressive Fish-Culturist. 41 (3): 135–137. doi:10.1577/1548-8659(1979)41[135:PDOTOP]2.0.CO;2.
  27. ^ "Farewell to a Legend". Colorado Trout Unlimited. Archived from the original on 2016-03-04. Retrieved 2013-11-10.
  28. ^ "Lahontan National Fish Hatchery Complex". Fish and Wildlife Service. Retrieved 2019-02-13.
  29. ^ DeLong, Jeff. "Giant Cutthroats Show Efforts to Restore Native Fish to Pyramid Lake Working." Reno Gazette-Journal. n.p., 25 Feb. 2013. [1]
  30. ^ Spahr, Robin; Region, United States. Forest Service. Intermountain (1991). Threatened, endangered, and sensitive species of the Intermountain region. U.S. Dept. of Agriculture, Forest Service, Intermountain Region. p. 86. Retrieved 12 August 2013.
  31. ^ USDA Plant hardiness
  32. ^ a b Blum, Mitchell; Gustin, Mae Sexauer; Swanson, Sherman; Donaldson, Susan G. (August 2001). "Mercury in Water and Sediment of Steamboat Creek, Nevada: Implications for Stream Restoration". Journal of the American Water Resources Association. 37 (4): 795–804. Bibcode:2001JAWRA..37..795B. doi:10.1111/j.1752-1688.2001.tb05512.x. S2CID 128613091.
  33. ^ "PYRAMID LAKE". wldb.ilec.or.jp. Retrieved 13 September 2017.
  34. ^ Land, Barbara; Myrick Land (1995). A short history of Reno. Reno, Nevada: University of Nevada Press. p. 67. ISBN 978-0-87417-262-1.
  35. ^ James Goode (1986) [First Published 1963 as "The Story of The Misfits"]. The Making of the Misfits. Limelight Editions. pp. 55, 123. ISBN 0-87910-065-6.
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