Clark Fork River Quiz
Explore the geography of the Clark Fork River, covering its journey through Montana/Idaho, connection to the Columbia system, and major basin issues (10 questions).
Clark Fork River Quiz: Quick Study Notes
The Clark Fork River is a vital waterway of the American Northwest, flowing through Montana and Idaho before joining the Columbia River system. Its basin is rich in natural beauty and resources but also faces complex environmental challenges from historical industrial activities. Test your knowledge on its geography, hydrology, and ecological concerns.
Key Features of the Clark Fork River
Key Takeaways
- The Clark Fork River begins in Montana, flows through Missoula, and enters Idaho before becoming the Pend Oreille River.
- It is the most significant tributary to the Columbia River by water volume.
- The river drains into Lake Pend Oreille in Idaho, one of the largest and deepest natural lakes in the state.
- A major environmental legacy is the extensive hard rock mining pollution, leading to the creation of several Superfund sites, including the massive Silver Bow Creek/Warm Springs Ponds complex.
- The basin supports diverse ecosystems and is crucial for agriculture, recreation, and hydroelectric power generation.
- Key dams along the river include Noxon Rapids Dam and Cabinet Gorge Dam.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does the Clark Fork River originate and end?
The Clark Fork River originates in the Rocky Mountains of western Montana, near Butte. It flows approximately 310 miles west, passing through Missoula, Montana, and into northern Idaho, where it widens into Lake Pend Oreille. From Lake Pend Oreille, it continues as the Pend Oreille River, eventually joining the Columbia River in Washington.
What is the significance of the Clark Fork River to the Columbia River system?
The Clark Fork River is the largest tributary of the Columbia River by discharge volume. Its contribution is critical to the overall flow and hydrology of the Columbia River, impacting everything from hydropower generation to salmon migration in the broader Columbia Basin.
What are the main environmental challenges faced by the Clark Fork River basin?
The primary environmental challenge is historical hard rock mining contamination, particularly upstream near Butte and Anaconda. This has resulted in extensive heavy metal pollution in the riverbed and floodplains, leading to the designation of several large Superfund sites. Ongoing efforts focus on remediation, water quality improvement, and ecosystem restoration.
Which major lakes are associated with the Clark Fork River?
The Clark Fork River is significantly associated with two major lakes: Flathead Lake in Montana, which drains into the Clark Fork via the Flathead River, and Lake Pend Oreille in Idaho, which the Clark Fork River flows directly into and forms.
How is the Clark Fork River important for human activities?
The river is crucial for numerous human activities, including providing drinking water, supporting agriculture through irrigation, generating hydroelectric power via dams, and offering extensive recreational opportunities such as fishing, boating, and wildlife viewing. It also sustains various communities along its banks.
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