This sign is located at the Ray Atkeson Memorial near the boat launch at Sparks Lake.
Marker Name: The Mystery of Hydrology
Marker Text: Sparks Lake was formed by lava which flowed over this area thousands of years ago. This lake is a shallow remnant of what was once a much larger and deeper lake. Fed by melting snow fields and glaciers from surrounding mountains, the lake expands during spring runoff to spread over low lying marsh lands. In the summer, Sparks Lake shrinks and begins to dry up leaving acres of alpine meadows surrounded by lava flows. In the fall, the lake becomes very shallow and small until it is replenished by winter rain and snow. As you discover the rugged shoreline, look for colorful ribbon-like streaks of color on the lake floor. Listen to water leaking through underground cracks and crevices. Feel the coolness of ancient ice within caves and refrigerated tunnels.
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