Large shallow Manitoba lake (8) - Crossword Clue
Answer: WINNIPEG
Lake Winnipeg is a large shallow lake in Manitoba, Canada, and is one of the largest freshwater lakes in North America. This 8-letter answer perfectly describes this significant Manitoba lake, which spans approximately 24,514 square kilometers (9,465 square miles) despite having an average depth of only 12 meters (39 feet).
Understanding Lake Winnipeg's Geography
- Lake Winnipeg sits in the heart of the Canadian province of Manitoba and serves as a crucial water body for the region.
- The lake is remarkably shallow for its size, with a maximum depth of just 36 meters (118 feet) in its northern basin.
- This shallow nature makes it particularly sensitive to environmental changes and wind action, often creating choppy conditions even during moderate weather.
- The lake is divided into two main basins - the North Basin and South Basin - connected by a narrow channel called "The Narrows."
- The southern portion is notably shallower than the northern section, with some areas barely reaching depths of 5 meters.
Quick Tips for Solving This Clue
- Count the letters first - The (8) indicates you need an 8-letter word
- Focus on "shallow" - This distinguishes Lake Winnipeg from deeper Canadian lakes
- Manitoba is the key - This provincial reference immediately narrows your options
- Think capital cities - Major geographical features often share names with nearby cities
- Consider alternative spellings - Ensure you're using "WINNIPEG" not "Winnepeg"
Large shallow Manitoba lake (8) - 7 Little Words - FAQs
Q: Why is Lake Winnipeg considered "shallow" when it's so large?
A: Despite its massive surface area (10th largest freshwater lake in the world), Lake Winnipeg averages only 12 meters deep, making it extremely shallow relative to its size compared to lakes like Superior or Michigan.
Q: How does Lake Winnipeg differ from other Great Lakes?
A: Lake Winnipeg is not part of the Great Lakes system. It's significantly shallower, drains into Hudson Bay rather than the Atlantic, and experiences more dramatic seasonal temperature variations.
Q: Is the city of Winnipeg located on Lake Winnipeg?
A: No, the city of Winnipeg is located approximately 65 kilometers (40 miles) south of Lake Winnipeg's southern shore, along the Red and Assiniboine Rivers.
Q: What makes this lake environmentally important?
A: Lake Winnipeg has one of the largest drainage basins in North America, collecting water from agricultural and urban areas across a vast region, making it an important indicator of watershed health.
Q: Could "MANITOBA" fit as an answer instead?
A: While Manitoba is mentioned in the clue, it's the province containing the lake, not the lake itself. Manitoba has 8 letters but wouldn't satisfy "lake" as the answer type.
