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Lake Lowell, located in Idaho, is a significant man-made reservoir within the Deer Flat National Wildlife Refuge. Here are some key points about Lake Lowell: Location: Lake Lowell is situated approximately 5 miles southwest of Nampa, Idaho, in Canyon County. History and Purpose: Originally called Deer Flat Reservoir, it was the first storage reservoir completed for the Boise Project, one of the earliest projects by the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, aimed at providing irrigation water for agriculture in the region. It opened in 1909. Size and Capacity: The lake covers an area of about 9,800 acres (14.5 square miles) with 28 miles of shoreline and has a maximum capacity of 169,000 acre-feet of water. Wildlife and Recreation: It's a part of one of the oldest wildlife refuges in the U.S., hosting over 200 recorded avian species, making it a great spot for birdwatching. Recreational activities include boating, fishing, swimming, disc golf, and more. The lake is open for boating from April 15 to September 30 each year, with human-powered boats allowed year-round near the Upper and Lower Dams. Fishing: Lake Lowell is popular for fishing, with species like largemouth bass, channel catfish, rainbow trout, bluegill, crappie, and yellow perch available. Idaho Fish & Game regularly stocks catfish to enhance fishing opportunities. Health Advisories: There have been instances where health advisories were issued due to high levels of toxin-producing cyanobacteria in the water, which can be harmful to people, pets, and livestock. Precautions include avoiding swimming, wading, or other water contact during advisory periods. Amenities: Lake Lowell Park, managed by Canyon County, offers amenities like picnic tables, BBQ grills, restrooms, a water fountain, a disc golf course, and a Story Trail. No reservations are required; amenities are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Access: The lake can be accessed via various points, including Lake Lowell Park on the Upper Dam's east side. Directions usually involve exiting Interstate 84 at exit 35 and heading towards Karcher Road, then Lake Avenue. Lake Lowell serves both as an essential irrigation source and a recreational hub in southwestern Idaho, providing a blend of natural beauty, wildlife observation opportunities, and various outdoor activities.

Salmon Falls Creek Reservoir has a multifaceted history intertwined with the region's agricultural development, engineering achievements, and recreational evolution: Construction and Purpose: The Salmon Falls Dam, which created the Salmon Falls Creek Reservoir, was constructed between 1908 and 1910 by the Salmon River Canal Company. Originally, the dam was built to provide irrigation water for farms in the region, addressing the need for a reliable water source for agriculture in the arid climate of southern Idaho. The dam was one of the largest in the world at the time of its construction and was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2009 due to its historical significance. Challenges: The dam faced initial challenges due to the porous, lava-rich terrain which allowed water to leak through rather than accumulate in the reservoir as planned. It took 74 years for the reservoir to reach full capacity in 1984, significantly longer than anticipated. Recreational Development: Over time, the reservoir transformed from a primarily irrigation-focused water body to a significant recreational area. Lud Drexler, a pioneer sportsman, played a crucial role in its development for public use, leading to the establishment of Lud Drexler Park in 1981. This park now offers facilities for boating, fishing, camping, and other outdoor activities, making the reservoir a popular spot for recreation in south-central Idaho and Northern Nevada. Fishing and Wildlife: The reservoir is renowned for its fishing, particularly for walleye, making it one of the premier walleye fisheries in Idaho. Various species of fish like brown trout, Chinook and kokanee salmon, yellow perch, among others, are stocked or naturally present, contributing to its status as one of the most plentiful fisheries in southern Idaho. However, there have been concerns about the health of the walleye population due to issues like forage availability and stunted growth from over-abundant predators. Environmental Impact: Efforts have been made to manage the environmental impact, particularly concerning water quality and the ecological balance of species within the reservoir. Actions like adjusting water releases for flood control and managing fish populations have been part of this ongoing effort. Community and Cultural Significance: The area around Salmon Falls Creek Reservoir has historical significance beyond just its physical structures. It served as a trade route for Native American groups between the Snake River Plain and the Great Basin, highlighting its cultural importance before modern development. This history reflects a story of engineering ambition, environmental adaptation, and the transformation of a landscape into a community resource for both agriculture and leisure.

Thundereggs can indeed be found near Jackpot, Nevada, particularly in an area known as Rabbit Springs, which is located just off Highway 93 about three miles north of Jackpot. Here's what you need to know based on the available information: Location and Accessibility: The Rabbit Springs site between Twin Falls and Jackpot is noted for containing clusters of fluorescent thundereggs. These are accessible from Highway 93, making them relatively easy to find for rockhounding enthusiasts. The area is on Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land, which generally allows for rock collecting under certain conditions. Nature of Thundereggs: Thundereggs found here are described as being made up of a combination of volcanic and agate materials. Their true beauty is fully realized when they are viewed under a fluorescent light source, which makes them glow. This property makes them particularly interesting to collectors. Historical Context: While the specific site in Jackpot isn't detailed in historical context, the broader area of Nevada has a rich history of thunderegg mining, with notable sites like the Black Rock Desert being closed off, highlighting the rarity and value of these geological formations. For anyone interested in rockhounding near Jackpot, Nevada: Preparation: Bring tools like a rake, shovel, and perhaps a GPS unit as suggested for other rockhounding trips in the region. Be prepared for potentially digging into the soil to find these gems. Legal Considerations: Always verify the current regulations for rock collecting on BLM land, as rules can change. Respect the environment by not over-digging or leaving the area in disarray. Experience: Rockhounding here can be a fun family activity or a serious pursuit for collectors, given the unique properties of these thundereggs. Remember, while the information provided here is based on the search results, conditions like access, rules, or even the availability of thundereggs can change. It's always good to check with local resources or BLM offices for the latest information before heading out.

These rocks appears to be a type of **thunder eggs** and **geodes**. Here's why: 1. **Coloration and Banding**: The rock shows a combination of colors, including brown, white, green, and possibly some hints of other colors, which is typical for agates and thunder eggs. The banding pattern is also characteristic of agates, which form in cavities of volcanic rocks. 2. **Translucency**: Some parts of the rock are translucent, which is common in agates due to their chalcedony composition. 3. **Texture**: The rock's texture looks somewhat waxy or glassy, which is typical for agates that have been polished or naturally worn smooth. 4. **Inclusions**: The yellowish or brownish areas could be due to iron oxide or other mineral inclusions, which are often found in agates. Thunder eggs are nodules of agate found in volcanic rocks, and they often have a hollow or partially hollow interior filled with crystals or banded agate.

Rabbit Springs, which is located just off Highway 93 about three miles north of Jackpot, Nevada. Here's a little bit on the lava field based on the available information: Location and Accessibility: The Rabbit Springs site between Twin Falls and Jackpot is noted for containing clusters of fluorescent thundereggs. These are accessible from Highway 93, making them relatively easy to find for rockhounding enthusiasts. The area is on Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land, which generally allows for rock collecting under certain conditions. Nature of Thundereggs: Thundereggs found here are described as being made up of a combination of volcanic and agate materials. Their true beauty is fully realized when they are viewed under a fluorescent light source, which makes them glow. This property makes them particularly interesting to collectors. Historical Context: While the specific site in Jackpot isn't detailed in historical context, the broader area of Nevada has a rich history of thunderegg mining, with notable sites like the Black Rock Desert being closed off, highlighting the rarity and value of these geological formations. For anyone interested in rockhounding near Jackpot, Nevada: Preparation: Bring tools like a rake, shovel, and perhaps a GPS unit as suggested for other rockhounding trips in the region. Be prepared for potentially digging into the soil to find these gems. Legal Considerations: Always verify the current regulations for rock collecting on BLM land, as rules can change. Respect the environment by not over-digging or leaving the area in disarray. Experience: Rockhounding here can be a fun family activity or a serious pursuit for collectors, given the unique properties of these thundereggs. Remember, while the information provided here is based on the search results, conditions like access, rules, or even the availability of thundereggs can change. It's always good to check with local resources or BLM offices for the latest information before heading out.

Rabbit Springs, which is located just off Highway 93 about three miles north of Jackpot, Nevada. Here's a little bit on the lava field based on the available information: Location and Accessibility: The Rabbit Springs site between Twin Falls and Jackpot is noted for containing clusters of fluorescent thundereggs. These are accessible from Highway 93, making them relatively easy to find for rockhounding enthusiasts. The area is on Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land, which generally allows for rock collecting under certain conditions. Nature of Thundereggs: Thundereggs found here are described as being made up of a combination of volcanic and agate materials. Their true beauty is fully realized when they are viewed under a fluorescent light source, which makes them glow. This property makes them particularly interesting to collectors. Historical Context: While the specific site in Jackpot isn't detailed in historical context, the broader area of Nevada has a rich history of thunderegg mining, with notable sites like the Black Rock Desert being closed off, highlighting the rarity and value of these geological formations. For anyone interested in rockhounding near Jackpot, Nevada: Preparation: Bring tools like a rake, shovel, and perhaps a GPS unit as suggested for other rockhounding trips in the region. Be prepared for potentially digging into the soil to find these gems. Legal Considerations: Always verify the current regulations for rock collecting on BLM land, as rules can change. Respect the environment by not over-digging or leaving the area in disarray. Experience: Rockhounding here can be a fun family activity or a serious pursuit for collectors, given the unique properties of these thundereggs. Remember, while the information provided here is based on the search results, conditions like access, rules, or even the availability of thundereggs can change. It's always good to check with local resources or BLM offices for the latest information before heading out.

The geology of the Snake River Canyon near Twin Falls, Idaho, is both fascinating and complex, shaped by millions of years of geological processes. Here's an overview: Formation Volcanic Activity: The canyon's history is closely tied to the volcanic activity of the Yellowstone hotspot. Around 17 million years ago, the hotspot began to influence the region, leading to extensive volcanic activity. The Columbia River Basalt Group, massive lava flows, covered much of the area, including where the Snake River now flows. Erosion: The Snake River Canyon itself was primarily carved out by the erosive power of the Snake River. However, the initial shaping was also influenced by the uplift of the region, which began around 10 million years ago due to the tectonic forces associated with the Basin and Range Province. Geological Features Basalt Cliffs: The canyon walls are composed largely of basalt from the Columbia River Basalt Group eruptions. These layers of basalt, which can be seen in the various cliffs and outcrops, were formed by multiple volcanic events, each layer representing a different flow. Perrine Bridge: A significant geological feature near Twin Falls is the natural bridge known as the Perrine Bridge, which spans the canyon. While the bridge itself is man-made, it's built where the natural geology of the canyon narrows, showcasing the canyon's depth and the rugged basalt formations. Craters of the Moon: Although not directly part of the canyon's geology, the nearby Craters of the Moon National Monument provides a glimpse into the volcanic past that shaped the region, with its lava fields and cinder cones. Erosion and Modern Geology River Erosion: The Snake River continues to erode its path through the canyon, carrying sediment downstream. This ongoing process has resulted in the canyon's deep, V-shaped profile, especially notable around Shoshone Falls, sometimes called the "Niagara of the West." Sedimentation: The river also deposits sediments, influencing the canyon's floor. Over geological time, these deposits have contributed to changes in the river's course and the canyon's shape. Tectonic Uplift: Part of the Snake River Plain is still rising due to tectonic movements, which affects the river's gradient and, consequently, the erosion patterns in the canyon. Recent Geological Events Earthquakes: The region experiences seismic activity due to its location near the edge of the Basin and Range Province, which can influence the canyon's geology through minor shifts or larger earthquakes. Human Impact: Human activities, including dam construction (like the Shoshone Falls Dam), have altered the natural flow and erosional patterns of the river, affecting the canyon's geological evolution. The Snake River Canyon is a dynamic geological feature where volcanic, tectonic, and fluvial processes continue to shape the landscape, offering a rich field for geological study and appreciation.

The Graveyard Point area is seven miles from Homedale, Idaho, just two miles across the Idaho-Oregon border. There have been numerous different claims and mining operations in this area, including the Linda Marie and Beverly Marie claims. Graveyard Point Plume Agate is a well-known seam agate found in far eastern Oregon. - https://www.google.com/search

Just down from Lucky Peak State Park. The Boise River is a 102-mile-long tributary of the Snake River in the Northwestern United States. It drains a rugged portion of the Sawtooth Range in southwestern Idaho northeast of Boise, as well as part of the western Snake River Plain. - Wikipedia

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