Why Are Wood Lake and Kalamalka Lake So Blue-Green?
If you have ever wondered why Wood Lake and nearby Kalamalka Lake can appear turquoise, teal, emerald, or deep blue, you are seeing a fascinating natural phenomenon rather than a camera filter.
The Science Behind the Colour
Both Wood Lake and Kalamalka Lake are hardwater lakes containing naturally dissolved calcium and carbonate. As the water warms during summer, microscopic calcium carbonate crystals can form in a process called marling.
These tiny crystals scatter sunlight through the water, creating the brilliant blue-green colours the lakes are known for.
Why Do the Colours Change?
The colour can look different throughout the season, or even during the same day, depending on:
- Water temperature
- Sunlight and cloud cover
- Viewing angle
- Water depth
- Wind and surface conditions
- The amount of suspended mineral crystals
Kalamalka Lake experiences marling almost every summer, which produces its famously vivid turquoise colour. Wood Lake experiences the same phenomenon less frequently. Because Wood Lake is shallower, warmer, and more biologically productive, it often has a naturally deeper green appearance that changes throughout the season.
Is the Colour Natural?
Yes. The normal blue-green colour created by mineral crystals is natural and is not, by itself, a sign of pollution or unsafe water.
However, marl is different from an algae bloom. Avoid entering the water if you notice unusual surface scum, foam, paint-like streaks, a strong odour, or if an official water-quality advisory is in effect.
Current beach and lake information is available through the District of Lake Country’s Beach Water Quality page:
https://www.lakecountry.bc.ca/beachwaterquality
A Lake of Many Colours
Kalamalka Lake is often called the “Lake of Many Colours,” but both lakes offer their own constantly changing shades. It is one of the natural features that makes this corner of the Okanagan so remarkable.
Why Are Wood Lake and Kalamalka Lake So Blue-Green?
If you have ever wondered why Wood Lake and nearby Kalamalka Lake can appear turquoise, teal, emerald, or deep blue, you are seeing a fascinating natural phenomenon rather than a camera filter.
The Science Behind the Colour
Both Wood Lake and Kalamalka Lake are hardwater lakes containing naturally dissolved calcium and carbonate. As the water warms during summer, microscopic calcium carbonate crystals can form in a process called marling.
These tiny crystals scatter sunlight through the water, creating the brilliant blue-green colours the lakes are known for.
Why Do the Colours Change?
The colour can look different throughout the season, or even during the same day, depending on:
- Water temperature
- Sunlight and cloud cover
- Viewing angle
- Water depth
- Wind and surface conditions
- The amount of suspended mineral crystals
Kalamalka Lake experiences marling almost every summer, which produces its famously vivid turquoise colour. Wood Lake experiences the same phenomenon less frequently. Because Wood Lake is shallower, warmer, and more biologically productive, it often has a naturally deeper green appearance that changes throughout the season.
Is the Colour Natural?
Yes. The normal blue-green colour created by mineral crystals is natural and is not, by itself, a sign of pollution or unsafe water.
However, marl is different from an algae bloom. Avoid entering the water if you notice unusual surface scum, foam, paint-like streaks, a strong odour, or if an official water-quality advisory is in effect.
Current beach and lake information is available through the District of Lake Country’s Beach Water Quality page:
https://www.lakecountry.bc.ca/beachwaterquality
A Lake of Many Colours
Kalamalka Lake is often called the “Lake of Many Colours,” but both lakes offer their own constantly changing shades. It is one of the natural features that makes this corner of the Okanagan so remarkable.
