The Sierra Nevada’s Bluest Lake Has a Mystery Even Scientists Can’t Fully Explain
Burro Lake in the Hoover Wilderness, as photographed last month, may be the bluest lake in the Sierra Nevada.
TL;DR
- Burro Lake in the Hoover Wilderness is described as potentially the bluest lake in the Sierra Nevada.
- Its striking color, observed from a distance, is a local alpine phenomenon.
- Glacial flour is a common cause for the blue-green color in Sierra lakes.
- Geologist Greg Stock suspects calcium carbonate is also contributing to Burro Lake's color.
- The source of the calcium carbonate is unclear, as the Sierra Nevada is primarily granite, not carbonate-rich rock.
- The lake's color intensity has varied over time, adding to the mystery.
- Accessing Burro Lake requires significant alpine and off-trail hiking experience.