Kalamalka Lake
Kalamalka Lake (aka "Kal Lake") is a large lake at the foot of the Rocky Mountains in southern central British Columbia, Canada, near Vernon and Okanagan Lake. The lake is named for the Okanagan (Okanogan U.S. spelling) Indian chief who occupied its northern shores, although many believe (incorrectly) that it means (lake of) many colours in the Okanagan language.
At different times of the year the colour of the lake can range from cyan to indigo, in different spots at the same time. This is likely caused by increased water flow and circulation disturbing the silt at the lake bottom. Lakes in the Okanagan are not as deep as those in the Kootenays in southeastern British Columbia, but they are certainly deep, although the silt in the lakes may mask this.
Two provincial parks are situated along Kalamalka Lake:
- Kalamalka Lake Provincial Park (external link)
- Kekuli Bay Provincial Park (external link)
Kalamalka Lake lies approximately 4 kilometres south of Vernon, British Columbia.