Osoyoos is known for its warm summers, gorgeous lakes, unique desert wildlife and great outdoor activities as well as a desert environment, and the unique natural formation of kłlilx’w (Spotted Lake). This mineral lake is located along Highway 3, west of Osoyoos in the Eastern Similkameen Valley.
There is a beautiful lake called Spotted Lake near the city of Ossous, a city in the state of British Columbia in Canada. This lake produces large colorful spots in summer. Hence it is called spotted lake.
• The water of this lake is rich in minerals (salts) such as magnesium sulfate, calcium and sodium sulphate.
• All the water in this lake evaporates in summer and only the colored spots of minerals remain behind.
• These spots are mainly made of magnesium sulfate. Since its crystals are hard, one can easily walk along or over these dots.
• In World War I, the elements of this lake were used to make ammunition. Now the locals have bought part of this lake and protected it.
ABOUT SPOTTED LAKE
Spotted Lake is a small lake rich in a variety of minerals, including calcium, sodium sulphates and magnesium sulphate. During the hot summer months, much of the water in the lake evaporates, leaving concentrations of these minerals that form the spots visible in the lake. Throughout the summer, the spots shift in size and colour as the minerals within each change with further evaporation. Colours ranging from blue to green to yellow appear, depending on the mineral makeup of each individual spot.