Howard Prairie Lake is a reservoir located 4526 ft above sea level in Jackson County, Oregon, United States. It is 18 mi east of Ashland. The lake is formed by the 100 ft tall Howard Prairie Dam, which impounds Beaver Creek, in the Klamath River watershed.

History

The reservoir was created in 1958 when the 100 ft tall earth fill dam was completed by the Talent Division of the Rogue River Basin Project. A canal diverting water from nearby Little Butte Creek, (in the Rogue River watershed), to the lake was also completed.

Statistics

Howard Prairie Lake has an average surface area of 1990 acre, and an average volume of 62100 acre.ft. It has a maximum depth of 80 ft, and an average depth of 35 ft. The lake has a 79 sqmi drainage basin. During the 2020–21 North American drought, the lake reached 4% capacity.

Climate

Flora and fauna

Howard Prairie Lake is known for its large number of rainbow trout, largemouth bass, and smallmouth bass. Ducks and geese inhabit the surrounding regions. The lake is surrounded by pine and fir forests in the Cascade Mountains.

Recreation

Boating, water skiing, fishing, and camping at the three public campgrounds are popular activities at the lake. Hiking and biking are also popular on trails around the lake. The Howard Prairie Lake Resort is located on the northern shore of the lake and features a large marina, boat ramp, restaurant, campground, and convenience store.