Mountain lakes and ponds are keystone features of the subalpine environment in mountain parks. These typically small, high-elevation water bodies provide vital habitat for aquatic organisms, such as amphibians and dragonflies, and are a source of food, especially insects, for many terrestrial organisms, including bats and passerine birds. Mountain lakes are also prized destinations for hikers, anglers, and climbers.
See more about what it is like to be a researcher conducting monitoring in mountain lakes in the high Sierra Nevada in this video, Seeking Clarity, or through a story map, Clear Waters: Tracking Change in Sierra Nevada Lakes, that takes you on a multi-day wilderness sampling trip with a field crew.
Monitoring Lakes
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Sierra Nevada NetworkLakesEach summer, field scientists hike to remote lakes in the high country to collect water samples and survey amphibians.
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North Coast & Cascades NetworkMountain LakesMountain lakes and ponds are important indicators of watershed condition and may provide the most efficient early detection of pollutants.
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Central Alaska NetworkShallow LakesLakes and ponds provide critical habitat for a diverse array of plants and animals and play a critical role in carbon sequestration.
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Southwest Alaska NetworkWater QuantityHydrology and geology are the two principal drivers dictating structure and function of all aquatic systems.
Monitoring Wetlands
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Rocky Mountain NetworkWetland Ecological IntegrityRelative to their area, wetlands support a disproportionate amount of biodiversity.
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Sierra Nevada NetworkWetlandsWetlands provide critical habitat for a variety of wildlife, play an important role in the life cycle of many invertebrates and amphibians.
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Greater Yellowstone NetworkAmphibians & WetlandsThe loss of wetlands, not surprisingly, coincides with the decline of organisms, like amphibians, that depend on them.
Learn more about mountain wetlands and lakes
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- Locations: Mount Rainier National Park, North Cascades National Park, Olympic National Park
- Offices: North Coast and Cascades Research Learning Center
Mountain lakes may seem pristine, but they are subjected to multiple types of man-made stressors. Since the industrial revolution, toxins from industrial activities have begun to travel through the atmosphere and be deposited onto the mountain landscape, where lakes act as collection basins. This study sought to determine the range of mercury concentrations in mountain lake fish, and to understand which variables contribute to high mercury in fish.
- Locations: Crater Lake National Park, Lassen Volcanic National Park, Redwood National and State Parks, Whiskeytown National Recreation Area
Monitoring data provide evidence of high vascular plant diversity in riparian environments. This surprising pattern indicates a high conservation significance of these park environments.
Fishing is a fun way to enjoy national parks. Before you go, be sure to check fish consumption advisories for your local waters to ensure your catch is safe to eat.
- Locations: Grand Teton National Park, North Cascades National Park, Rocky Mountain National Park, Yosemite National Park
After a long hike through the mountains, nothing compares to the inspiring beauty of a healthy, colorful mountain lake. But airborne nitrogen pollution threatens the health and function of these alpine oases.
Pescar es una divertida forma de disfrutar los parques nacionales. Antes de irte revisa las advertencias para asegurarte que puedes consumir lo que hayas pescado.
Last updated: January 11, 2022