Keuka Lake

Keuka Lake (/ˈkjuːkə/ KEW-kə)[2] is one of the major Finger Lakes in the U.S. state of New York. It is unusual because it is Y-shaped, in contrast to the long and narrow shape of the other Finger Lakes. Because of its shape, it was referred to in the past as Crooked Lake. Keuka means "canoe landing" in the Iroquois language and "lake with an elbow" in the Seneca language.[3]

Keuka Lake
View of Keuka Lake.
Keuka Lake
Location within New York
Keuka Lake
Keuka Lake (the United States)
LocationSteuben / Yates counties, New York, United States
GroupFinger Lakes
Coordinates42°29′47″N 77°08′46″W
TypeGround moraine
Primary inflowsKeuka Inlet, Sugar Creek, Glen Brook, Wagener Glen Creek
Primary outflowsKeuka Lake Outlet
Basin countriesUnited States
Max. length20 mi (32 km)
Max. width0.5 to 2 mi (0.80 to 3.22 km)
Surface area11,730 acres (47.5 km2)
Average depth101 ft (31 m)
Max. depth187 ft (57 m)
Water volume.35 sq mi (0.91 km2)
Shore length160 mi (97 km)
Surface elevation715 ft (218 m)[1]
SettlementsPenn Yan
Hammondsport
Branchport
1 Shore length is not a well-defined measure.

Description
Map showing Keuka Lake and the other Finger Lakes in relation to Lake Ontario and upstate New York

The Y-shaped Keuka Lake empties into another Finger Lake, Seneca Lake, through a stream called Keuka Lake Outlet at the lake's northeastern end in Penn Yan. The stream empties into Seneca Lake at the village of Dresden. At one time the outlet was developed into a canal, the Crooked Lake Canal, connecting the lakes. This canal was later replaced by a railroad branch line which is now a hiking and cycling trail.

The lake is about 20 miles (32 km) long and varies in width from one-half mile (0.80 km) to two miles (3.2 km). It has a surface area of 11,730 acres (47.5 km2), and a maximum and mean depth of 186 feet (57 m) and 101 feet (31 m) respectively.

Its thermocline is between 30 and 35 feet (9.1 and 10.7 m) deep.[4]

Ecology

This body of water possesses large and healthy populations of lake trout, brown trout, rainbow trout, landlocked salmon, smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, and yellow perch. The productive fishery is supported by huge numbers of baitfish, most notably alewives (sawbellies), and is a very popular lake with area fishermen.

Humans, fish, and wildlife depend on the rich ecology of the lake habitat. The complex ecosystem is subject to contamination of the watershed, largely by storm water runoff. The Keuka Lake Association (KLA) monitors the water of the lake to ensure that it is suitable for its many uses, such as drinking, fishing, and swimming. Tributary streams, groundwater, and the lake itself are regularly tested for water quality. Additionally, KLA collects and publishes data about the lake level.

The infestation of European zebra mussels, which has impacted many North American bodies of water, has also affected Keuka Lake and other Finger Lakes in New York. In addition to disrupting the lake's ecosystem, zebra mussels can be a nuisance to lakeside homeowners. Their small size enables them to clog water intake pipes.[5][6] Furthermore, their sharp shells can cause lacerations on the feet of bathers. Bathers may wish to wear water shoes when swimming in the lake.

Surroundings
William E. "Gink" Doherty coaxes the structurally modified Langley Aerodrome into the air above the surface of Keuka Lake near Hammondsport, New York in 1914.

The village of Penn Yan is at the northeastern tip of the lake, and Branchport is at the northwestern tip. Hammondsport lies at the south end of the lake. Hammondsport was the home of Glenn Curtiss, a pioneer of naval aviation, and is now the site of the Glenn H. Curtiss Museum.

While the shore of the lake is primarily residential, Keuka College is located in Keuka Park on the western shore of the east branch and Keuka Lake State Park is located on the eastern side of the northwest branch of the lake. Camp Iroquois, run by the New York State Sheriffs Institute, is located on the eastern side of the bluff. YMCA Camp Cory is located on the eastern side of the northeast branch of the lake. Camp Good Days and Special Times is located on the western side of the northwest branch of the lake.

An important component of the economy of this region is based on grape growing and wine production.[7]

Wine trail

These vineyards are included in the Keuka Lake Wine Trail:

  • Barrington Cellars/Buzzard Crest Vineyards
  • Bully Hill Vineyards
  • Heron Hill Winery
  • Hunt Country Vineyards
  • Keuka Spring Vineyards
  • Dr. Konstantin Frank's Vinifera Wine Cellars
  • McGregor Vineyard Winery
  • Ravines Wine Cellars
  • Rooster Hill Winery
  • Stever Hill Vineyards
  • Point of the Bluff Vineyards

The winery on the lake, but not listed on the official Keuka Lake Wine Trail, is Domaine Leseurre.

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See also
Bluff Point on Keuka Lake

References
  1. "Keuka Lake". Geographic Names Information System. United States Geological Survey. Retrieved June 9, 2015.
  2. http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/keuka+lake
  3. "Keuka Lake Tidbits". Archived from the original on 2011-07-26.
  4. "Keuka Lake". Dec.ny.gov. NYS Department of Environmental Conservation. Retrieved December 1, 2015.
  5. "Keuka Lake Book - Zebra Mussels". Archived from the original on 2013-04-15. Retrieved 2012-06-05.
  6. Locations with Zebra Mussels
  7. http://www.keukalake.com/

Further reading
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