Piute Lake ~ Frozen in Winter

Piute Lake sits quietly, frozen in mid winter with sheets of ice cascading on both ends of the lake where the Sevier River passes through and feeds the lake. This is where Marysvale Valley becomes Circle Valley. 

To the left above alongside the lake are the foothills of Forshea Mountain, and laying below the mountain on the other side is Otter Creek Lake. The Sevier River passes through this lake and down through Kingston Canyon to empty into Piute Lake. If you look closely (clink on image to open up full screen) at the other end of the lake, you can see where it becomes a very small river . 

This small river runs 279 miles (449 km) and is the longest Utah river entirely in the state and drains an extended chain of mountain farming valleys to the intermittent Sevier Lake. Because the Upper parts of the Sevier River are used extensively for irrigation resources this has caused Sevier Lake to dry out.

On the horizon is Mount Dutton and beyond that a few miles lies Zion National Park and the edge of the Escalante Grand Staircase National Monument. This is the Dixie National Forest, a beautiful part of the country containing huge swaths of designated wilderness. 

Piute Lake is a favorite fishing spot for folks around this area of southern Utah, it is park of the Piute State Park and has camping areas. It is a very beautiful place worth a visit if you ever get a chance.

I lensed this image while flying and filming around the Tushar Mountains. It was getting towards dusk and I came upon the lake, lying forlorn yet peaceful. 

This is from "Where Eagles Fly - The American Wilderness  Expedition" my personal project of exploration in the North American  Wilderness.  

I am on a mission to raise awareness of our Iconic Natural Heritage  Treasures of North America. If you wish to help spread the word and  share these images of our amazing planet, vote if you are so inclined and please resteemit !  

Yehaw!!